Full Breakdown
Clemson's Heartbreaking Overtime Loss to USC in NCAA Tournament
3/23/2026, 7:48:43 AM
Dramatic Finish and Controversial Call
In a thrilling first-round matchup of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, the Clemson Tigers faced off against the USC Trojans on March 21, 2026. The game culminated in a dramatic finish when Clemson's Mia Moore appeared to hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to secure a victory. However, after a review, officials determined that the shot was taken after the game clock had expired, leading to a 71-67 overtime loss for Clemson. The ruling was based on the finding that the shot clock had not started properly when Clemson inbounded the ball with 4.4 seconds remaining.
Key Players and Performance
USC's freshman Jazzy Davidson was pivotal in the game, scoring 31 points, including crucial three-pointers in overtime that helped secure the win for the Trojans. Senior Kara Dunn contributed significantly as well, adding 22 points. Clemson's Taylor Johnson-Matthews scored 16 points, while Raven Thompson recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Despite a strong effort, Clemson struggled in overtime, making only one of six shots.
Emotional Aftermath for Clemson
Clemson head coach Shawn Poppie expressed disappointment over the loss, highlighting the emotional toll on his team after believing they had secured a victory. "Everything in their mind is, ‘We have just won the first-round game,’” Poppie stated. The Tigers, who had only made the NCAA Tournament once since 2002, faced a tough emotional reset after the overturned call. Moore reflected on the moment, saying, “Initially, I thought it was good, but I guess I came up short.”
USC's Resilience and Future Challenges
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised her team's resilience, describing the victory as a "culture win" for the program. The Trojans, who have played without star JuJu Watkins due to injury, demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity. Davidson noted the importance of maintaining high expectations despite the challenges faced throughout the season. The Trojans will next face the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks, who defeated Southern University 103-34 in their opening game.
Official Statements and Responses
Gottlieb acknowledged the officials' decision during the review, stating, “If that’s accurate, then that’s what it is.” Poppie, reflecting on the game, remarked, “Unfortunately, today Southern Cal was, I guess, one possession or 0.1 second better than us.” The emotional aftermath for Clemson was palpable, with Poppie describing the locker room as "sad," yet he emphasized that there was nothing for his team to hang their heads about.
Conclusion
The game between Clemson and USC will be remembered not only for its thrilling finish but also for the controversial call that altered the course of the match. As USC advances to face South Carolina, Clemson's season ends with a bittersweet reminder of how close they came to a historic victory. The emotional rollercoaster of the game encapsulates the unpredictable nature of March Madness, leaving both teams with lessons learned and memories forged in the heat of competition.
