ATLANTA – Virginia Tech erased a large deficit in the second half, but couldn't get past Georgia Tech, falling 68-76 Sunday afternoon from McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta. For the Hokies, it was their sixth single digit loss of the conference season, where their record lies at 3-9. The Hokies are 16-9 overall.
(2/17/2019) 2019 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL AT GEORGIA TECH
Virginia Tech got off to a hot start, jumping out to a seven-point lead inside of three minutes thanks to two free throws from senior guard Taylor Emery. The remainder of the first period was fueled by runs as the Jackets scored 10 straight points to take a lead, a run which was answered by the Hokies who finished the quarter scoring nine of the final 12 points, taking a 3-point lead into the second quarter.
In the second, the Jackets separated themselves with an 11-0 spurt. They would finish the quarter on a 7-0 run to lead 41-31 at the half.
Georgia Tech shot 55 percent from the field in the second.
Virginia Tech got back into the game in the third after suffering its largest deficit pf 17 points, going on a run ignited by the play of redshirt senior Regan Magarity who scored 12 of the team's first 14 points in the frame. She would finish with her 17th double-double of the season, recording 19 points and 14 rebounds. She was 8 of 13 from the field and protected the rim with three blocks in the game.
Georgia Tech was led by 26 points from forward Francesca Pan who canned four 3-pointers in the game. Three other Jackets, Loreia Cubaj, Chanin Scott and Elizabeth Balogun each added 10 points for a balanced scoring attack. Georgia Tech moves to 16-9 on the season and 6-6 in the ACC.
The Hokies struggled with Georgia Tech's defense which utilized traps and disguises to speed up the offense. Both clubs committed 18 turnovers in the game.
Georgia Tech had an edge on the glass 41-37.
Emery led the Hokies in scoring once again with 27, the fifth time that she has eclipsed 20 points during the conference season.
Inside the box score:
• The Yellow Jackets held an advantage in the paint 28-18
• The Jacket's largest lead in the game was 17 early in the third quarter before the Hokies cut the deficit to just three points. Early in the game, the Hokies held a seven-point advantage.
• Georgia Tech was 8 of 18 from beyond the arc while Virginia Tech struggled from the outside going 8 of 30.
Other key notes:
• The Hokies, winners of three straight ACC road victories still have a shot at setting a new program record of four road wins in a season when they travel to Clemson next week. The squad had earned three road wins in ACC play for the first time since the 2011-12 season
What's next: The Hokies will be back home in Cassell Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 21 for 80's Throwback night against the No. 20 Miami Hurricanes.
Individuals interested in pledging a donation for each free throw that the Hokies make in the month of February can sign up at this link HERE.