The Clemson Lady Tigers hosted the #19 Duke Blue Devils today in their annual #Play4Kay game. This game is named in honor of legendary coach, Kay Yow, to raise awareness for women's cancers. These games are intended to unite players, coaches, and fans to do something for the greater good that exceeds what happens on the basketball court. Play4Kay is the largest fundraising initiative in the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
During the 2004-2005 women's basketball season, Coach Yow's cancer reappeared after being in remission for 17 years, sparking the "pink phenomenon." Different women's basketball teams would wear pink in honor of Coach Yow and others that are in a battle with cancer and in 2007, this 'think pink' movement resulted in the implementation of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the Play4Kay initiative.
Since then, numerous sports, groups and organizations have hosted Play4Kay fundraisers that resonate with their communities and fanbases while also raising money for Coach Kay's fund. Some of the elements involved in a #Play4Kay game are:
- Host a Play4Kay game and call it Play4Kay
- Raise money and donate it to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund & participate in the Play4Kay National Free Throw Challenge.
- Honor cancer survivors on court during game
- Head Coach makes a personal contribution to the KYCF in honor of survivors.
- Show in-venue videos/PA announcements about KYCF during game
- Purchase generic t-shirts from KYCF to promote uniform branding of the fund
To support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, click here.
Ultimately in the game, the Lady Tigers would come up on the short end, losing 60-35, taking them to 11-15 overall and 1-12 in ACC play. Aliyah Collier led the Tigers in scoring with 11pts/7reb/1ast. Kobi Thornton, who went out in the second quarter with an apparent leg injury, reappeared 5:02 left in the third quarter. She finished the game with 8pts/2reb.
The Lady Tigers show toughness and resiliency on defense but their lack of ability to score the ball consistently or make teams respect the three-point line are the factors that hurt them. They will look to bounce back in their next game at #10 Florida State on Thursday, February 15.