Clemson Improves NCAA Tournament Chances with ACC Tournament Win

Clemson defeats Virginia 63-50 to earn 21st win, most in program history since 2000-01 season

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Clemson's women's basketball team solidified its NCAA Tournament chances with a 63-50 win over Virginia in the ACC Tournament second round. The victory marked Clemson's 21st win of the season, the most since the 2000-01 campaign, under second-year head coach Shaun Poppie. Despite the loss, Virginia is still expected to make the NCAA Tournament, though the Cavaliers may drop to a No. 11 seed.

Why it matters

Clemson's strong season and tournament win boosts its NCAA Tournament seeding prospects, while Virginia's bubble status remains uncertain heading into Selection Sunday. The outcome highlights the importance of conference tournaments in determining at-large bids and seeding for the Big Dance.

The details

Clemson shot 50% from 3-point range and was led by guard Mia Moore's 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting. The Tigers can further improve their NCAA Tournament standing if they can defeat Duke in Friday's ACC Tournament quarterfinals, having beaten the Blue Devils 53-51 earlier this season.

  • Clemson and Virginia entered Thursday's ACC Tournament second-round game with shaky NCAA Tournament prospects.
  • With the 63-50 win, Clemson earned its 21st victory, the most in program history since the 2000-01 season.
  • Clemson will face Duke in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.

The players

Clemson

The Clemson women's basketball team is enjoying its best season in 25 years, earning 21 wins and solidifying its NCAA Tournament chances with a victory over Virginia in the ACC Tournament.

Shaun Poppie

Clemson's second-year head coach, who has led the Tigers to a significant improvement from last season's 14-win campaign.

Mia Moore

Clemson's standout guard, who scored 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting to lead the Tigers to victory over Virginia.

Virginia

The Virginia women's basketball team, which is still expected to make the NCAA Tournament despite the loss to Clemson, though the Cavaliers may drop to a No. 11 seed.

Amaka Agugua-Hamilton

Virginia's fourth-year head coach, who is guiding the Cavaliers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance under her tenure.

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What they’re saying

“Clemson not only solidified its NCAA Tournament chances, it also picked up its 21st win, the most in program history since the 2000-01 season.”

— Cameron Teague Robinson, Author (nytimes.com)

What’s next

Clemson will face Duke in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday, with the opportunity to further improve its NCAA Tournament seeding.

The takeaway

Clemson's strong season and tournament win over Virginia demonstrates the program's resurgence under second-year head coach Shaun Poppie, while Virginia's bubble status remains uncertain heading into Selection Sunday, highlighting the importance of conference tournaments in determining at-large bids and seeding for the NCAA Tournament.