ACC Women’s ACC Tourney: Day 2 (3-5-2026)
By: Joe Dillard Jr.
Headline Photo Credit: ACC
(Day 2) Where stars can win games and teams can win games but past this round, you will need both to move forward
(4) #8 Virginia 50 vs #9 Clemson 63
In a game that was close from the beginning until late in the fourth quarter, two stories can be told as Clemson demonstrated poise as they were efficient from behind the arc going 10-20 while having a plus-18 number from the three-point line, which is a huge advantage. Senior Mia Moore led the way for Clemson with 19 points while hitting both of her three-point attempts. Bad night of shooting for UVA as Junior Kamora Johnson shot 5-18 and 2-11 from 3. They just couldn’t hit buckets and shot themselves into an early exit which could possibly hurt their chances at an NCAA tourney birth. Just a normal game from their star and they would have advanced however in the ACC tournament time it’s all about survival and advancing. Clemson (21-10) will advance to play Duke in the quarterfinal round.
(5) #5 Notre Dame 69 vs #12 Miami 54
With National player of the year candidate, Hannah Hidalgo in your lineup, you have a chance every night and this was an example as the Fighting Irish shot poorly from the field but defensive efforts and Hidalgo in her bag was the deciding factor in tismatchup as Hidalgo went for 28 points 8 rebounds 5 assist and 5 steals. Miami was led by Ra Shaya Kyle who had 11 points and 15 rebounds, however had 9 turnovers which limited chances to score. That defensive effort held Miami to 4 points in the second quarter. Notre Dame (21-9) advances to the quarterfinals and will face North Carolina State.
(6) #7 Syracuse 70 vs #10 California 59
Between a 23-7 first quarter explosion and Freshmen Uche Izoje having 23 points 10 rebounds and 4 blocks, this game was in the bag for 7th seed Syracuse (23-7) as they will advance to play Louisville but not without some basketball to clean up. Both teams contributed to 42 turnovers where they split that responsibility evenly and it will not be the recipe for advancing past this round. Sakima Walker led the way for the Cal Bears with 19 points but it just was not enough as Syracuse might have punched their NCAA ticket with this win.
(7) #6 Virginia Tech vs #11 Georgia Tech
After trailing 17-7 in the first quarter, Virginia Tech responds with a 22-6 second quarter and never looked back as they collectively took down Georgia Tech with efficiency, team defense, and sharing the ball. Sophomore Talayah Walker led the Yellow Jackets with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Six Hokies had 8 points or more and were led by Junior Carleigh Wenzel who had 15 points and 4 rebounds. Virginia Tech (23-8) will advance to face North Carolina in the quarterfinals.
