Chellia Watson and Molly Coleman Post Double-Figures as Women's Basketball Opens Season at Clemson

Wednesday, November 10

Clemson, SC

7:00 p.m.

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

0-1,0-0Big South

Clemson

1-0,0-0ACC

USC Upstate

Clemson

Photo by: Ryan Frye

11/11/2021 12:49:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

CLEMSON, S.C. – Opening year two of the Becky Burke era, USC Upstate women's basketball indoctrinated its young roster to the college volleyball landscape as six Spartans made their Upstate debut alongside four returning veterans as the season opened at Clemson.

Leading Upstate in its 64-47 final at Clemson, junior guard Chellia Watson—in her Spartan debut—and senior forward Molly Coleman posted double-figures, scoring 15 and 11 points, respectively, Wednesday night. Watson finished with the Spartans' three three-point field goal makes in the game while Coleman was 5-of-8 from the floor.

In addition to Watson's debut, five freshmen made their debuts in an Upstate uniform as forward Takia Davis, guard Terah Harness, forward AC Markham, forward Hannah Roberts, and guard Rachael Rose all saw the floor for the Spartans in their first collegiate action.

Game Information
Score: Clemson 64; USC Upstate 47
Records: USC Upstate (0-1; 0-0 Big South); Clemson (1-0; 0-0 ACC)
Location: Littlejohn Coliseum | Clemson, S.C.

How It Happened
First Quarter

Rising up from the left wing at the 8:37 mark in the first quarter, Chellia Watson lifted the lid on the season as she buried her first shot as a Spartan, giving Upstate the lead to begin its season opener.
Using threes from Weronika Hipp and Daisha Bradford and 3-for-4 shooting at the free throw line, Clemson raced out to a 10-point lead, 19-9, heading into the final minutes of the first quarter.
The Spartans answered Clemson's 9-0 run with one of its own as Dakota McCaughan started the run with a jumper before Denijsha Wilson took over, knifing to the hoop for a layup, converting the and-one opportunity before dishing off a pass for Molly Coleman to extend the run. Wilson capped the run with a pair of free throw makes.

Second Quarter

Seeing Clemson grow its lead to double digits, Upstate provided two quick answers to the Tigers' extensions of the lead as Watson drained a trey and Wilson a layup to cut the Spartan deficit back to single digits.
Closing the half on an 8-2 run, Clemson extended its advantage to 15 as the Tigers grew their largest lead of the first half over the final two and a half minutes of the quarter.

Third Quarter

As she did to open the game, Watson lifted the lid on the second half, beginning the scoring with a layup at the 9:32 mark. She'd tally six points in the period as she, Coleman (four points) and McCaughan (two points) supplied the offense for the Spartans.
Trading baskets over the entirety of the quarter, Upstate was able to stay within striking distance heading into the final period as the Clemson lead hung around the 12-16 range for the duration of the quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Coming out of the quarter break, the Tigers grew their lead behind a Bradford three before both teams went cold from the floor before Clemson's Sydney Standifer nailed a three to lengthen the Tiger's lead.
Seeing the Clemson lead grow to 20 with a minute left in the game, Upstate was able to trim the lead as Hannah Roberts went strong to the basket, converting a layup against heavy pressure to draw an and-one chance, sinking the free throw to provide the game's final points.

Notable

Making her USC Upstate debut after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, junior guard Chellia Watson was the Spartans' leading scorer, pouring in 15 points while draining the team's three makes from beyond the arc.
Joining Watson in double-figures, senior forward Molly Coleman added 11 points on the night, shooting 5-of-8 from the floor.
In addition to Watson's debut, five Spartan freshmen made their Upstate and collegiate debuts as forward Takia Davis, guard Terah Harness, forward AC Markham, forward Hannah Roberts, and guard Rachael Rose all saw the floor.

UP Next for the Spartans
After opening the season Wednesday at Littlejohn Coliseum, the Spartans are back on the road as the season continues next Tuesday. Upstate takes a trip to Orangeburg on November 16, facing South Carolina State at 7:00 p.m. ET.

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