GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — Clemson used a dominant fourth quarter to defeat North Carolina State 75-65 in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Bi-Lo Center. The Lady Tigers, trailing by three entering the final period, outscored the Wolfpack 23-8 in the fourth to secure the victory. Rachael Rose led Clemson with 19 points, while Raven Thompson added 14. Tilda Trygger scored 19 points and Khamil Pierre added 17 for North Carolina State, which led by as many as eight in the first half. Clemson improved to 12-5 overall. North Carolina State fell to 11-5.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of fortune and a stark deviation from pregame projections, the Clemson Lady Tigers mounted a dominant fourth-quarter surge to defeat the North Carolina State Wolfpack 75 to 65 in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Bi-Lo Center. The victory, secured before an announced crowd of 861, improved Clemson’s record to 12-5 overall. North Carolina State, which entered the contest as a heavy favorite with an 89.8% win probability according to National Statistical’s ELO system, fell to 11-5. The game’s narrative fractured decisively in the final period. North Carolina State, which had weathered Clemson runs to hold a 57-52 lead entering the fourth quarter, saw its offense evaporate under intense defensive pressure. The Wolfpack managed only eight points in the quarter, missing 11 of their 13 field goal attempts and committing four critical turnovers. Conversely, Clemson found its rhythm at both ends. The Lady Tigers erupted for 23 points in the final frame, capitalizing on North Carolina State’s miscues and executing efficiently in the half-court. A pivotal sequence began with just under eight minutes remaining when Rachael Rose of Scranton, Pennsylvania, drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 55. On the ensuing possession, Taylor Johnson-Matthews of Cleveland, Ohio, connected from beyond the arc to give Clemson a lead it would not relinquish. The Lady Tigers’ closing 20-10 run over the final seven minutes sealed the outcome, a stretch defined by their ability to convert North Carolina State’s seven total second-half turnovers into 16 decisive points off turnovers for the game. For three quarters, the contest followed a tense, back-and-forth pattern dictated by North Carolina State’s interior presence and Clemson’s perimeter resilience. The Wolfpack’s Tilda Trygger, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Stockholm, Sweden, controlled the paint early, winning the opening tip and setting an aggressive tone. She finished with 19 points, 2 blocks and a game-high 4 offensive rebounds. Her frontcourt partner, Khamil Pierre of Phoenix, Arizona, added 17 points. Their efforts helped North Carolina State build an early advantage, leading 21-17 after one quarter and 37-39 at halftime despite Clemson’s 22-point second quarter. The Wolfpack’s offense, which shot just 41.3% from the floor for the game and a frigid 21.1% from 3-point range, was propped up by its work inside, scoring 36 points in the paint. Clemson, however, showcased superior balance and shot-making. Rose led all scorers with 19 points, including three 3-pointers, and was instrumental in the fourth-quarter rally. Raven Thompson of Atlanta, Georgia, provided a steadying hand with 14 points and 4 assists, while Johnson-Matthews added 13 points off the bench. Rusne Augustinaite of Siauliai, Lithuania, contributed 11 points. The statistical ledger underscored Clemson’s efficient victory. Despite having three fewer possessions, the Lady Tigers outshot North Carolina State 48.4% to 41.3% from the field and were more effective from deep, hitting 8 of 24 attempts compared to the Wolfpack’s 4 of 19. Clemson also committed only seven turnovers, leading to a plus-three margin that proved crucial. North Carolina State’s Zoe Brooks of Plainfield, New Jersey, filled the stat sheet with 15 points, 6 assists and a block, but the Wolfpack’s offensive rating of 94.5 paled in comparison to Clemson’s mark of 113.2, highlighting the disparity in execution down the stretch. The result marks a significant conference win for Clemson as it looks ahead to a road test at Georgia Tech on Sunday. North Carolina State, which had won five of its last six games, including a 74-46 rout of Stanford on New Year’s Day, must regroup quickly before hosting SMU on Sunday. The Wolfpack’s inability to sustain its early momentum and close out a game it led for long stretches will be a primary concern moving forward into the heart of the ACC schedule.

Preview: NC State Wolfpack at Clemson Lady Tigers GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — Two of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s hottest teams will meet Thursday when the North Carolina State Wolfpack visit the Clemson Lady Tigers at the Bi-Lo Center. Both teams enter the key conference matchup on winning streaks. NC State (11-4) has won five straight, including a 71-60 victory over California on Sunday. Clemson (11-5) has won four of its last five, most recently a 70-55 road win at Miami (Fla.) on Jan. 4. The game features a compelling matchup between two of the league’s top forwards. NC State is led by Khamil Pierre, who is averaging 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds over her last five games. She posted 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the win over California. Clemson counters with Raven Thompson, who is coming off a 24-point, five-rebound performance against Miami. Thompson’s scoring has been pivotal for the Lady Tigers, though her production has varied in recent outings. NC State’s winning streak has been built on balanced scoring and defense. In addition to Pierre, guards Zoe Brooks and Qadence Samuels have been consistent contributors. The Wolfpack have held opponents to an average of 58.8 points during their five-game run. Clemson’s resurgence has been fueled by improved play on both ends. Guard Mia Moore dished out 12 assists in the win at Miami, facilitating an offense that saw four players score in double figures. The Lady Tigers’ defense has held three of its last five opponents under 55 points. The Wolfpack have dominated recent non-conference play but face a Clemson team that is 7-1 at neutral and home venues this season. The Bi-Lo Center in Greenville has served as a capable home floor for the Lady Tigers. Thursday’s contest opens a critical stretch of ACC play for both squads. NC State will host SMU on Sunday, while Clemson travels to Georgia Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.