BLACKSBURG – In their return to the court after the holidays, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team fell 73-63 to visiting Florida State on Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum Thursday afternoon. Tech will enter the New Year on a two-game skid after a loss to Notre Dame in their last outing, two weeks ago.
Florida State, (4-1, 1-1) earned the win with timely shooting, taking advantage of the free throw line and forcing the Hokies into mistakes as Tech finished with 20 turnovers in the contest. Sammi Puisis knocked down five of the Seminoles' 10 3-pointers and as a team, FSU converted 21-22 free throws.
After the 'Noles opened a 22-point advantage with 8:12 to go in the fourth, the Hokies responded with an 18-3 run of their own, with baskets from Azana Baines, Aisha Sheppard and Elizabeth Kitley to cut the margin to 10. From there the Hokies continued to apply pressure in the backcourt and a Sheppard three briefly brought the score to 69-63 under a minute but the Hokies would get no closer.
Virginia Tech, (6-2, 1-2) committed 20 turnovers, were outrebounded and took just nine free throws in the game.
Sheppard led all scorers with 21 points.
GAME NOTES
•Virginia Tech is now 10-30 against the Seminoles.
•Kenny Brooks' record moves to 92-1 at Virginia Tech and 429-173 in his career.
•Tech is 2-2 all-time on December 31.
•Azana Baines made her Virginia Tech debut against the 'Noles. The Duke transfer had nine points in 18 minutes in the contest.
•Center Elizabeth Kitley recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. She leads the conference with six on the season.
•Tech's starting lineup of Amoore, Sheppard, Cayla King, Jones and Kitley, accounted for 54 points.
NEXT TIME ON CARILION CLINIC COURT
•The Hokies are back at Cassell Coliseum on Thursday January 7 to face NC State. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on Regional Sports Networks.
Gallery: (12-31-2020) 2020 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL vs. FLORIDA STATE