Clemson, S.C. (Nov. 22) ? Georgia State opened its season by beating Clemson, 82-75, to present Coach Lea Henry a birthday surprise.
The Panthers had five players score in double figures, topped by junior forward Danyiell McKeller with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Junior guard Brittany Graham came off the bench to knock down five-of-six three-point baskets for 17 points. Junior forward Dana Olsen added 12 points, freshman guard Crystal Johnson contributed 11 points and freshman guard Jylisa Williams chipped in with 10 points. Senior captain Brittany Hollins picked up her fourth foul with 14:24 to play and was limited, but still added six points and four steals.
Clemson (2-2), coming in off a win over South Carolina on Wednesday, was led by forward Lele Hardy's 32-point game that included 12-of-18 field goals and five-of-six three-point baskets. Kirstyn Wright added 11 more for Clemson.
Georgia State (1-0) was sparked by its defense that produced 18 steals and forced 28 Clemson turnovers. The Panthers also sealed the win the solid free throw shooting that included 18-of-21 for 85.7 percent.
“It looks like we have a team full of heart. They played with toughness and made big plays at key times today,” said Coach Henry on her birthday. “The defense forced turnovers and we took pretty good care of the ball today. Our defensive pressure appeared to affect them.”
Coach Henry was happy in the opening day win, but tempered the magnitude of winning on the road at an ACC school. “We can not get too up over just one win, but any win on the road is always something to be pleased with.”
The visiting Panthers got things going with a first-half 14-2 run that erased a 15-13 deficit with 12:01 to play and turned it into a 27-17 advantage with 6:22. State took a 34-29 lead into halftime.
The host Tigers came out roaring in the second half by making treys and outscored State 30-20 in the first 10 minutes of the second half to take its largest lead of the game at 59-54 with 9:20 to play.
But, McKeller and Graham went to work on the offensive end to spark a 16-4 run and open a 70-63 lead with 3:58 to play.
“I am pleased because so many people contributed today in so many ways,” Henry added. “We have veteran leaders and youthful excitement and I think a legitimate quality basketball team. We're happy and looking forward to our next tests.”
This win is Georgia State's 18th win against ACC competition and its second-ever win over Clemson. However, the Panthers and Tigers hadn't met in 20 years.
Georgia State returns to action against another ACC foe in cross-town rival Georgia Tech on Wednesday night at Alexander Coliseum on the campus of the Yellow Jackets.
