SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless physicality and offensive rebounding, the Syracuse women’s basketball team outlasted Clemson 68-64 in an Atlantic Coast Conference clash on Sunday at the Carrier Dome.

The victory improved Syracuse to 21-5 overall, while Clemson fell to 18-9.

The most critical phase of the contest unfolded in the final 90 seconds. With Syracuse clinging to a 66-64 lead after Clemson’s Taylor Johnson-Matthews converted a layup with 10 seconds remaining, the Orange needed to inbound the ball under their own basket. Clemson immediately fouled Syracuse’s Shy Hawkins, sending her to the line with four seconds left. Hawkins, under immense pressure, sank both free throws to extend the lead to four points and effectively seal the outcome, as Clemson’s desperation heave at the buzzer fell short.

The entire fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair, featuring five lead changes. Clemson guard Mia Moore, who finished with 17 points and seven assists, repeatedly drove into the paint to keep the Lady Tigers close. Her layup with 38 seconds left had cut Syracuse’s lead to just two points, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

Syracuse’s triumph was anchored by a monumental performance from sophomore forward Sophie Burrows. The 6-foot-2 native of Lower Plenty, Australia, dominated the interior, recording a career-high 16 rebounds to go with 19 points, two assists and a block. Her work on the offensive glass was particularly devastating; she grabbed eight offensive rebounds, several leading directly to put-back scores that stifled Clemson rallies.

Burrows’ effort symbolized Syracuse’s decisive advantage in second-chance opportunities. The Orange corralled 16 offensive rebounds as a team, leading to a 19-6 edge in second-chance points. This compensated for a challenging shooting afternoon, as Syracuse made just 25 of 68 field goal attempts for 36.8%. Clemson was far more efficient from the floor, shooting 49.1% on 26-of-53 shooting, but had 13 fewer field goal attempts due to Syracuse’s rebounding and a slight possession disadvantage.

Clemson’s offensive attack was led by the backcourt duo of Moore and Johnson-Matthews. Johnson-Matthews, a guard from Cleveland, Ohio, matched Moore’s 17 points, including three 3-pointers. Hannah Kohn added nine points off the bench for the Lady Tigers. Syracuse countered with balance beyond Burrows, as Laila Phelia scored 17 points and Izoje Uche contributed 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

The game’s tempo was methodical, with both teams valuing possessions. Clemson turned the ball over only nine times, while Syracuse committed 10. The Lady Tigers also capitalized on those opportunities, scoring 12 points off turnovers compared to just four for the Orange. Syracuse’s path to victory, however, was paved at the free-throw line, where they made 14 of 16 attempts. Clemson attempted only nine free throws, making six.

Defensively, both teams struggled to generate assists in the face of tight, physical defense. Clemson managed just five assists on 26 made baskets, while Syracuse had only four. The game was a stark contrast in styles: Clemson’s efficient, inside-oriented attack produced 40 points in the paint, while Syracuse relied on volume shooting, offensive rebounds, and free throws to grind out the win.

Syracuse established control early, leading 17-12 after the first quarter and 34-28 at halftime. Clemson mounted its strongest push in the third quarter, outscoring the Orange 20-19 to narrow the gap to 53-48 entering the final period. The Lady Tigers finally drew even midway through the fourth, initiating the sequence of clutch plays that culminated in Hawkins’ game-sealing free throws.

The announced attendance at the Carrier Dome was 4,847.

Syracuse next travels to face North Carolina State on Sunday. Clemson returns home to host Duke, also on Sunday.