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Two short of a complete score (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eighteen

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This clue might be a double definition.

'two short' is the first definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a complete score' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eighteen that I've seen before include "Twice 22 across" , "The genie (anag.)" , "Number of on-field players in an Australian Rules football team" , "when boy becomes man?" , "2x9" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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