California head coach Charmin Smith. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Turnovers prove costly in No. 20 California women's loss to Clemson

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Jan 2, 2025 10:34 PM ET

It was a sloppy affair for the No. 20 California Golden Bears on Thursday night in a 69-58 loss to Clemson.

.@ClemsonWBB PULLS OFF THE UPSET ‼️

The Tigers take down No. 20 California 69-58#NCAAWBB pic.twitter.com/9mhrqGTprk
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) January 3, 2025

California had 15 turnovers in the game, which led to 23 points off turnovers from Clemson.

This buzzer-beater from Loyal McQueen gave Clemson (9-5, 2-1 ACC) a 36-35 halftime lead and did not help California's case.

COUNT THAT ️

McQueen beats the buzzer#NCAAWBB x ACCNX / @ClemsonWBB pic.twitter.com/IzXoKJOtF2
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) January 3, 2025

Considering the Golden Bears only shot 24-for-60 (40%) and 4-for-20 (20%) from long range, the turnovers were costly.

Prior to Thursday night, California had won seven straight games since its only other loss to Michigan State on Nov. 26. Turnovers were a problem in that game as well with 20 giveaways from the Golden Bears.

As California (13-2, 1-1 ACC) continues its debut ACC season against SMU on Sunday, the Golden Bears must take care of the ball better and limit these costly turnovers.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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