Nassau, The Bahamas – Ary Dizon shot 50 percent from the floor in pacing Western Carolina women's basketball with 15 points as the Catamounts kept pace with ACC-foe Clemson through the first half before a strong third quarter by the Tigers powered them to a 77-44 victory in Friday action at the Baha Mar Nassau Hoops Championship.
The Catamounts (2-6) face either #20/25 Michigan State or the Temple Owls in the consolation game at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. Clemson (5-2) advances to the 2025 Baha Mar Nassau Hoops Championship game on the same day at 6:30 p.m.
Dizon led a pair of Catamounts in double figures, joined by Ally Hollifield, who filled the stat sheet with 11 points, a game-high seven assists, six rebounds, and a steal. Riley Price tied with Hollifield for the team lead in rebounds, collecting six boards.
Three Tigers recorded double figures with Mia Moore leading all scorers with 18 points to go along with six assists and five steals. Taylor Johnson-Matthews chipped in 14, while Rachel Rose posted 13. Hadley Periman led Clemson with seven rebounds, though Moore and Demeara Hinds recorded five each.
How it Happened:
The two teams exchanged 6-0 runs to open the game following an initial bucket by Taj Hunter, with the Catamounts holding an early 8-6 lead. Betsey Burnett hit a jump shot to push WCU to 10 points before the Tigers took command in the first. Clemson outpaced the Catamounts 10-2 to close out the opening 10 minutes, taking a 17-12 lead into the second quarter.
Clemson's lead grew to as many as 19 following a deep shot by Raven Thompson, which gave the Tigers a 31-12 advantage. The Catamounts answered following Clemson's 14-to-0 run with a 14-3 sprint of its own to close out the half, trailing 34-26 at the half.
The Tigers blitzed out of the break on a 6-0 run, holding the Catamounts without a made shot for over two minutes of gametime before Joyce Mulumba connected on a layup. Clemson then outscored the Catamounts 25-9 in the third quarter, controlling the game with a 59-35 lead heading into the final frame.
Clemson limited WCU to only nine points in the fourth quarter as well, recording a 12-0 run following a quarter-opening bucket from Dizon. WCU outscored the Tigers 7-6 in the final 4:30 of the game, but Clemson secured the 77-44 victory.
By the Numbers:
Clemson leveraged its size inside against the Catamounts, recording 30 points in the paint to WCU's 22. The Catamounts also committed 22 turnovers, with Clemson recording 15 points off those changes in possession.
WCU was an efficient passing team against the Tigers, with 13 assists recorded on the 14 shots made by the Catamounts.
Freshman Riley Price recorded her first six collegiate points for the Catamounts, connecting on two of her first three shots in the college ranks.
Up Next for The Catamounts:
The Catamounts face either #20/25 Michigan State or Temple at 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 to close out their run in Nassau. WCU then returns stateside to host the USC Upstate Spartans on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. in its annual Education Day game.
