CLEMSON, S.C. - Turnovers doomed Appalachian State University women's basketball (6-5) in an 87-48 setback to Clemson (9-4) on Friday evening in Littlejohn Coliseum.
Pre Stanley led the team with 10 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while
Brooke Bigott played a career-high 31 minutes off the bench. The freshman was aggressive on the glass with a game and career-high
nine rebounds and four points.
Nicola Mathews paced the way with three assists and scored eight points off the bench.
Coming into the contest, the Tigers were one of the top teams in forcing turnovers at 20.8 per game. Clemson forced App into 25 miscues for 25 points, which would set the tone for the contest.
Bayley Plummer converted a layup midway through the first quarter that cut a four-point lead into a one-possession deficit, 7-5. However, Clemson ended the quarter on an 11-2 run to go in front 16-7 going into the second period.
After Clemson went in front 22-9, the Mountaineers hit four of their next five field goals to slice the gap to single digits, 27-18. Stanley and Plummer combined to hit their next three shots, while
Lainey Gosnell hit one of her two layups to cap off the run. But Clemson answered all four of the Mountaineers' field goals, which led to a 14-of-16 stretch and eight straight field goals at one point to gain separation early in the third quarter.
Appalachian played well in spurts during the contest, but couldn't get into a rhythm. The hosts shot 52.9 percent from the field while Appalachian only shot 31.7 percent. App did outrebound Clemson, 43-39, including 19 offensive rebounds. The Mountaineers came away with second-chance opportunities but only came up with nine second-chance points.
Despite the loss, App still goes into conference play with a winning mark. The Mountaineers' 6-5 record is their best non-conference showing in the
Angel Elderkin era.
The Mountaineers will have a break until they open Sun Belt play on Thursday, Jan. 3 against an 11-0 South Alabama team at 6:30 p.m. in the Holmes Center.
