BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech fought back from a 20-point deficit, closing the gap to just three in the final few minutes Sunday, but Asia Durr and Louisville hung on for a 72-63 victory on Cariliopn Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum Sunday afternoon. Tech moves to 15-8 on the season and 2-8 in league play.
(2/10/2019) 2019 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL vs. LOUISVILLE
In the opening quarter, both clubs got off to a slow start, in a back and forth affair that saw either team lead by as many as four points. But in the second, All-American Asia Durr found some space and erupted for nine points on 3 for 3 shooting beyond the arc, sparking a 13-2 run. Louisville took a 15-point advantage into the locker room after Dara Mabrey made an acrobatic up and under layup at the horn. Mabrey, the reigning ACC Rookie of the Week, lead Tech in scoring with 17 points.
Durr was not done as she made her first triple out of the locker room to extend the lead and all told, Louisville's largest lead in the game was 20. But the Hokies battled back, with baskets from Alexis Jean, Mabrey, a transition jumper from Taylor Emery and Kendyl Brooks' 3-pointer from the wing, Tech finished the third with an 11-0 run.
In the fourth, Tech got as close as three points after Regan Magarity's basket in the paint with 34 seconds left, but were unable to score again as free throws salted the game away from Louisville who moved to 23-1 (10-1).
The game was Virginia Tech's Play4Kay Day in honor of legendary women's basketball coach, mentor and advocate Kay Yow. 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.
Inside the box score:
• The Cards held an advantage in most statistical categories including; points in the paint (30-24), fast break points (10-4), second chance points (13-10), and a slight edge in points off turnovers (11-10)
• Tech did outrebound the Cardinals 36-33 on the strength of Magarity and Emery who each secured eight and
Other key notes:
• Sophomore Aisha Sheppard started for the first time this season in the game
• All eight Hokies who got onto the floor recorded at least four points on the afternoon
What's next: The Hokies are back on Regional Sports Networks on Thursday, Feb. 14 when they travel to take on the Duke Blue Devils. Tipoff from Cameron Indoor Stadium is set for 7 p.m.
The Hokies will then travel to Atlanta on Sunday, Feb. 17 for a matchup against Georgia Tech, also on RSN.
Tech will be back home in Cassell Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 21 for 80's Throwback night against the Miami Hurricanes.