Share

(Clemson Athletics) - Mia Moore’s game-tying attempt at the buzzer hit the back rim as Clemson’s frantic comeback fell just short in a 78-76 loss to Virginia Tech (18-11, 9-9 ACC) on Sunday afternoon. Clemson (13-16, 6-12 ACC) trailed 72-62 with 3:19 to play and got the ball back with 7.8 seconds to play with a chance to tie or win, but Moore’s baseline floater was just off the mark.

Moore was brilliant throughout, scoring a season-best 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting and pulling down nine rebounds. Tessa Miller scored 19 points on 9-10 shooting, and had seven rebounds and a season-high six assists, while Summah Evans (13 points) and Loyal McQueen (12 points) also hit double-figures offensively.

Clemson honored 2024-25 ACC UNITE Award winner Mary Kennerty after the first quarter and welcomed back more than 60 program alumni, who were honored at halftime.

Virginia Tech opened up a 16-8 lead six minutes into the contest, but a 9-2 spurt behind seven points from Miller closed the gap just before the end of the quarter. Clemson took the lead on Raven Thompson’s layup, before a 9-0 run for the Hokes again opened up an eight-point advantage.

The third quarter was tight throughout, with eight lead changes. The Hokies were able to open up a six-point advantage, but Moore’s fourth three-pointer drew the Tigers back to within three again, facing a 56-53 deficit to end the third quarter.

The teams traded buckets again in the fourth before the Hokies scored six straight to take a 72-62 lead with 3:19 to play. But Summah Evans drilled a three-pointer to cut it to five and after a Hokie basket, Miller hit a layup, and the Tigers turned a backcourt turnover into a layup to pull within three with 57 seconds to play. The Hokies scored again, but again, Evans was there to knock in another three-pointer to cut the deficit to 78-76 with 38 seconds left. Clemson forced a defensive stop and took over with 7.8 seconds on the clock.

After the Hokies took a foul, Clemson inbounded to Moore, who drove right and launched the floater.

UP NEXT: The Tigers will travel to Greensboro this week to compete in the Women’s ACC Tournament, which begins Wednesday. Game time and matchup will be announced later Sunday.