Stanford women’s basketball suffered a 65-60 overtime loss to Clemson on Saturday, marking its third consecutive defeat and leaving the Cardinal winless in ACC play at 0-3. Despite a strong performance from senior guard Elena Bosgana, Stanford’s second-half struggles and a late Clemson surge proved decisive.
Bosgana delivered a solid outing, recording a double-double with 15 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. The three-time Pac-12 champion has been a consistent contributor for the Cardinal this season, averaging 13.4 points and seven rebounds per game — the latter doubling her average from last year. On Saturday, she played a key role on both ends of the floor, opening Stanford’s scoring with a mid range jumper and later tying the game at 56-56 with just 42 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.
Clemson led 16-14 at the end of the first quarter, but the Cardinal gained momentum in the second, outscoring the Tigers 16-12 to take a 30-28 lead into halftime. Senior forward Brooke Demetre contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore forward Nunu Agara added 18 points and 11 rebounds, leading all scorers.
Stanford maintained its narrow edge heading into the fourth quarter, holding a 44-42 lead. However, Clemson capitalized on late-game opportunities, forcing turnovers and converting key baskets to stay within striking distance. Bosgana’s shot in the final minute of regulation kept the game alive, but the Cardinal’s offensive struggles in overtime ultimately determined the outcome.
In the extra period, Agara scored the first four points to give Stanford a 60-57 lead with under three minutes to play. But Clemson’s defense responded, and the Tigers closed the game with an 8-0 run, capped by free throws and a three-pointer. Agara’s performance, with 16 of her team-high 18 points coming in the second half and overtime, underscored her ability to step up in critical moments. However, Stanford’s offensive woes in the final minutes — including missing its last seven field goal attempts — allowed Clemson to secure the win.
The game featured 14 ties and 12 lead changes, with the seven-point lead that the Cardinal possessed in the second quarter being the largest margin of the game. Stanford’s defense held Clemson to just 28 points in the first half and limited the Tigers to 17% shooting from beyond the arc. However, turnovers proved costly, as the Cardinal committed 10, giving Clemson extra opportunities to stay in the game.
Clemson’s Loyal McQueen led all scorers with 26 points, including 12-of-14 shooting from the free throw line. Points at the free-throw line loomed large for the Tigers late in the game.
Stanford’s lineup also saw adjustments, with freshman guard Shay Ijiwoye and sophomore guard Chloe Clardy earning their first career starts. This marked the first time Stanford started three underclassmen — Ijiwoye, Clardy and Agara — since February 2020, signaling a youth movement as the team navigates its transition to the ACC.
While the defeat highlights the challenges Stanford faces in conference play, individual performances like those of Bosgana, Agara and Demetre offer glimpses of potential.
The Cardinal now returns home to face Florida State on Thursday night. The game represents an opportunity for Stanford to reset and earn its first conference victory of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Maples Pavilion.