By David Jones for Urban Media Today
DULUTH, Ga. — The No. 9-seeded Clemson Tigers delivered a statement performance at Gas South Arena on Thursday, rallying past No. 8-seeded Virginia 63–50 in the second round of the 2026 Ally ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The fourth quarter proved to be the difference as Clemson (21-10) punched its ticket to the quarterfinals while the Cavaliers will await their fate on Selection Sunday to see if they’re one of the 64 teams selected for the NCAA Tournament.
Virginia (19-11) entered the contest with 11 ACC wins for the first time since the 1999-2000 season and a first-round bye in the tournament. But the Cavaliers shot just 32.8 percent from the field and 21 percent from three which proved to be costly as Clemson seized control at pivotal moments.
The game was tightly contested for three quarters. Virginia set the tone with their strong defensive play, blocking shots on each of Clemson’s first three possessions of the day. The game featured seven lead changes and two ties with neither side pulling ahead by more than five. Clemson held a 28-26 advantage at the half, with 16 of those points coming off the bench.
Virginia went on a 8-0 run to reclaim the lead after falling behind by seven. But Clemson answered with a 6-0 run of its own to close the period and enter the fourth quarter up 43-39.
Mia Moore was the story of the night. After being held to just two points in the entire first half, the Clemson guard erupted for 10 points in the fourth quarter alone, with a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor, including a timely three-pointer. She finished with a game-high 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists as Clemson shot 63 percent from the field in the fourth quarter. Taylor Johnson-Matthews provided steady support with 10 points and four rebounds, while Clemson’s bench outscored Virginia’s 25-11 for the game.
Paris Clark finished with 15 points and Kymora Johnson added 12 more for the Cavaliers. Sa’Myah Smith was strong in the interior with 11 rebounds, three blocks, matching her season best. Virginia actually won the rebounding battle 39-35.
With the win, Clemson advances to face No. 1-seeded Duke in the ACC quarterfinals on Friday.