Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009

Hardy, Tigers handle Kennesaw State

KENNESAW, Ga. - Lele Hardy scored a team-high 14 points and Keyrra Gillespie added 11 points and nine assists to lead the Clemson women's basketball team to a 75-69 victory against Kennesaw State.

Angie Smith led Kennesaw (2-2) with 18 points.

The Tigers forced 27 turnovers and held a 45-31 edge in rebounding. Jasmine Tate had nine rebounds, and Hardy had eight.

Hardy also recorded four steals to go over 300 for her career. She is the 15th player in ACC history to reach the mark and is 26 shy of Clemson's school record.

The game was an ugly affair, with the teams combining for 57 turnovers and 54 fouls.

The Tigers (3-1) struggled from the free-throw line, shooting 17-34, but were 4-4 in the final 25 seconds.

The Tigers got off to a fast start. After surrendering a 3-pointer by Angie Smith to give Kennesaw State at 3-2 lead, Clemson held the Owls scoreless for the next 6:30 and went on a 12-0 run.

Clemson next will travel to Storrs, Conn., for the WBCA Classic. The Tigers will take on Richmond, Hofstra and Connecticut on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Get The State newspaper delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.