PITTSBURGH, PA – The Virginia Tech women's basketball team returned to its winning ways Thursday night, leading from start to finish in an impressive 74-56 victory at Pittsburgh. For the Hokies, the win snaps a seven-game skid and marks the team's first league victory of the season, taking their record to 14-7 (1-7).
Pitt fell to 9-13 (0-8) on the season.
After a slow start (2-8 from the field) the Hokies got a spark from freshman Dara Mabrey who connected on five 3-pointers in the opening 10 minutes, spurring the Hokies into a 22-13 advantage. The Belmar, New Jersey native took advantage of Pitt's defense and created her own shots in the lane as well, scoring the team's final 14 points of the first quarter.
Taylor Emery picked up where Mabrey left off in the second frame, scoring 11 points and leading the Hokies into a 7-0 run by herself which opened up a 22-point advantage.
At the half, Tech was shooting 51 percent from the field and had knocked down eight shots from beyond the arc. Tech lead 48-29.
In the second half, the Hokies would not give up an inch, maintaining their pressure defensively and attacking the glass, where Tech held a significant advantage all night. Forward Regan Magarity pulled down 17 boards herself, while Trinity Baptiste secured 9 and Emery claimed 8.
The Hokies shared the basketball well, recording 18 assists on 27 made field goals. Magarity dropped 7 dimes, flirting with a triple-double along with her 14 points.
Emery scored 24 points on 9 of 16 shooting and Mabrey finished with 22 points as the Hokies walked off a winner for the first time in league play ahead of another road game Sunday afternoon.
The Panthers were led by forward Danielle Garvin's 16 points. Jasmine Whitney scored 15 points and recorded 8 assists in the contest.
Inside the box score:
• Tech held an advantage on the glass 46-27
• The Hokies outscored the Panthers 13-4 on second chance opportunities
• Tech's defense was able to force 13 turnovers and the Hokies capitalized on them to the tune of 25 points
Other key notes:
• With her 14 points Magarity moved into sixth place all-time at Virginia Tech (1,455) passing Amy Wetzel (1,444)
• Magarity's double-double was her 14th of the season which leads the ACC and 46th of her career
• Tech's 13 triples Thursday is the highest amount in that category during ACC play this season
• Emery recorded 20 or more points for the 10th time in 2018-19 and 29th time in a Virginia Tech uniform
• Mabrey's six 3's are a new career best. Her 22 points sets her new ACC career high.
Next game: The Hokies will continue their road swing through the northeast, heading next to Boston College for a 1 p.m. tip on Sunday, Feb. 3. That game can be seen on ACC Network Extra.
The Hokies are back home on Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum on Sunday, Feb. 10 at noon to play host to the Louisville Cardinals. That contest will be available on Regional Sports Networks.
February 10 will be Tech's Play 4 Kay day, where fans are encouraged to wear pink.