BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech ran out to an 11-2 lead in the first quarter and rebuffed any Cavalier comeback attempt as the Hokies went on to earn a 63-45 victory on Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum. For Tech it was the first victory in the series in six games and earned the Athletic Department a half of a point in the Commonwealth Clash.
"Any time you can go into a rivalry game and get a win, get a convincing win its fantastic and especially in the fashion that we did it," commented head coach Kenny Brooks postgame. "To get over the hump, to be able to celebrate a little bit and just take a deep breath those last couple of minutes. It was fantastic. I'm really proud of the kids, very happy for the kids and hopefully this continues to give us momentum as we continue down the stretch."
(2/28/2019) 2019 Women's Basketball vs. Virginia
Tech moves to 18-10 on the season and 5-9 in ACC play ahead of Sunday's Senior Day matchup against Wake Forest, and the ACC Tournament which begins next Wednesday on March 6.
The Hokies opened the game by hitting three of four 3-pointers, one each from Aisha Sheppard, Taylor Emery and Dara Mabrey, a trend that would last all night as Tech finished the game with 11 made field goals from beyond the arc.
Regan Magarity continued her consistent play in the post, scoring 18 points in the game, but also coming down with 17 rebounds for double-double number 19 for the season. Fourteen of those boards were on the defensive end, a point of emphasis for her. She also rejected two shots.
Emery, who received an ACC Postgraduate Scholarship the league announced Thursday afternoon, led the team in scoring with 19 points on an efficient 7 of 12 shooting night. Her impact was felt all over the court as she grabbed three rebounds, dished out a team-best six assists and recorded three steals.
Mabrey, the league's second-best shooter from distance made four more 3's as she chases teammate Aisha Sheppard's record for most triples by a freshman. The Belmar, New Jersey native hit two back-to-back in the fourth quarter to firmly close the door on any hopes of a Virginia comeback.
The Hoos fall to 11-17 on the season and 5-10 in league play. Virginia was led by 15 points from Jocelyn Willoughby and nine from Khyasia Caldwell.
The game was a part of the Commonwealth Clash presented by Virginia529. The score in the Clash now stands at Virginia Tech 7.5 and Virginia 5.5
Inside the box score:
• The Hokies played excellent defense all night without fouling, committing just five fouls in the game
• Tech shared the ball well, recording 15 assists on 21 made field goal baskets.
• The league's second best 3-point shooting club, Virginia Tech made 11 triples against the Hoos. It was the eighth time in ACC play that the team tallied 10 or more shots from the perimeter.
What's next:
Virginia Tech is back home on Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum on Sunday, March 3 to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. and can be seen on ACC Network Extra.
Sunday afternoon is Senior Day, where the careers of five players; Erinn Brooks, Alexis Jean, Rachel Camp, Taylor Emery and Regan Magarity will be celebrated in a pregame ceremony.
On the horizon:
The 2019 ACC Tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina is set to begin on Wednesday, March 6 and run through Sunday, March 10. All games will be played at the Greensboro Coliseum.