Jan. 11, 2010
Streaking with Brigitte:
Senior Brigitte Ardossi, now playing more on the perimeter, remains Tech’s emotional leader. The 6-2 Australian hit Tech’s first two baskets – a 3-point play, then a nice roll to the hoop – as the Jackets made their first five shots for a 15-6 lead.
When Tech, up 35-29 at halftime, erupted on a 21-8 run to open the second half, Ardossi scored 10 points in that surge. Eight came in succession, when she hit a follow, a free throw, a pair of foul shots, a foul-line jumper and another free throw to put the Jackets up 54-37.
Ardossi finished with 8 rebounds and 19 points, going 9-for-13 from the foul line – just one less free throw attempt than Clemson’s team total. She also made 4 steals.
What a Difference a Year Makes:
In Clemson’s 81-69 upset of Tech in the first round of last year’s ACC Tournament, the Tigers had a 50-38 rebounding edge, five scorers in double-figures and shot 18-for-19 from the foul line. This time, the Jackets owned the glass, 48-33, including 16 offensive boards. Clemson was just 8-of-14 on free throws and 6-foot-3 Shaniqua Pauldo, who torched Tech with 23 points and 7 rebounds last March, got in early foul trouble. She managed 11 points and 2 rebounds before fouling out.
By the Numbers:
Alex Montgomery, Tech’s leading 3-point shooter, missed her first four attempts from beyond the arc. When she finally made a 3 midway through the second half, it was the 135th of the junior’s career, tying Megan Isom for fifth place on Tech’s all-time list. Montgomery is now 31-for-87 this season…Mo Bennett (15 points, 9 rebounds) just missed her second double-double.
