Clemson Moves Forward in ACC Tournament After 1st Round Win Against Pittsburgh
GREENSBORO, NC – Hannah Hank scored 19 points to lead the Clemson Tigers (17-11, 7-4 ACC) to a 71-53 win over the Pittsburgh Panthers (10-19, 3-15 ACC) on Wednesday at the Greensboro Coliseum.
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Pitt Panther, Channise Lewis, put the first points on the scoreboard for Pitt. Both teams looked to attack the opponent’s zone defense by taking shots in the high post and on the left and right-wing; however, the Panthers went on a scoring drought within the last 4 minutes of the first quarter. Pittsburgh did not get another bucket until 5 minutes into the second quarter. Pitt tried to push their way back into the games with threes. Meanwhile, Hannah Hank managed to get 12 points by the 2:27 mark. With 1:50 left in the first half, Pitt Panther Amber Brown got Pitt’s first score on a layup. Clemson built up a 16-point lead to end the half (36-20). Clemson’s offense was disciplined and had no problem against Pitt’s zone. Clemson’s head coach, Amanda Butler says that “Clemson’s defensive performance in the second quarter was a response to their poor defense in the first quarter.”
Hannah Hank ended the half with 12 points and five rebounds.
Pitt Panther Channise Lewis ended the half with six points and four rebounds.
Clemson opened the third quarter with an immediate three. Clemson caught an early 5-0 point lead against Pitt. Nearing the end of the third quarter, Clemson had more than doubled Pitt’s assist totals. Pitt was then able to close the 16-point deficit to ten by scoring inside the paint. The Panthers found a new way to penetrate the Tiger’s zone defense but Pitt’s efforts were null and void as Clemson’s highlight players, Hannah Hank and Daisha Bradford were not letting up. The Panthers left Hank and Bradford open on the perimeter on multiple possessions which extended the lead back to 16. Coach Amanda Butler sat Hannah Hank after she hit her season high in points with 19 points. Clemson’s shot selection was the correct response to the noticeable lack of communication between the Panthers on the defensive end.
Hannah Hanks ended the game with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
Amber Brown led Pitt with 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
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Clemson advances to the next round with the win to face the UNC-Chapel Hill (20-9, 11-7 ACC) Tar Heels tomorrow at 6 pm.