RALEIGH, N.C. –Virginia Tech had a chance to win late in regulation, and took No. 8 NC State to overtime, but fell 70-61 Sunday afternoon from a raucous Reynolds Coliseum. The Hokies slip to 13-5, 0-5 in ACC play ahead of Thursday night's clash on Carilion Clinic Court against North Carolina.
Tech started the game on the front foot, taking a 9-4 lead into the first media timeout behind make field goals from Aisha Sheppard, Trinity Baptiste, Regan Magarity and Taylor Emery.
In a back-and-forth affair, State took a 5-point cushion into halftime. Both squads were 4 of 10 from the three-point arc in the opening half, but the Wolfpack held a 16-11 advantage on the glass. Teach team also had a share of a 7-point lead at one point in the first half.
State (18-0, 5-0) seemed to take control in the second half behind Kiara Leslie who ended the contest with 25 points and 7 rebounds, but each time, Tech put together a few possessions of solid defense and executed on the other end to stay within striking distance.
In the final seconds, down one, Tech forced a turnover which lead to Emery driving the lane and drawing a foul. She connected on one free throw, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra session Aislinn Konig hit a 3-pointer from the wing to give State the lead for good and the Wolfpack would secure the victory from the free throw line.
Baptiste lead the Hokies in scoring with 13 points and also pulled down a team high 5 rebounds on the afternoon. Emery was the other Hokies in double figures with 11.
Other key notes:
- NC State is the only remaining undefeated team in college basketball
- Both squads committed 14 turnovers in the game
- Points in the paint: NC State 30-20
- Fast break NC State 8-0
- There were three ties and nine lead changes in the
- Kendyl Brooks was 3 of 5 from beyond the arc Sunday, her best output since dropping three against Longwood on Dec. 29.
NEXT GAME: Tech is back on Carilion Clinic Court on Thursday, Jan. 24 to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Tip is slated for 7 p.m. and can be seen on ACC Network Extra.
The game promotion is 50's Throwback Thursday, one ticket and one t-shirt for $14. HokieBird bucket hats will be handed out to the first 100 fans.