Hokies get out to hot start, roll past No. 9 Duke 61-45Hokies get out to hot start, roll past No. 9 Duke 61-45
Women's Basketball

Hokies get out to hot start, roll past No. 9 Duke 61-45

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BLACKSBURG, VA -- The Virginia Tech women's basketball team shot 50 percent from beyond the arc on the way to a 61-45 victory over the Duke Blue Devils at home Thursday.

The Hokies (21-4, 11-4) had three players score in double figures, led by Elizabeth Kitley, who put together a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Georgia Amoore tacked on 20 points and two steals and Taylor Soule chipped in as well with 11 points, eight rebounds and three steals.

Led by Kitley's four offensive rebounds, Virginia Tech did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 11 boards that resulted in six second chance points.

Virginia Tech forced 15 Duke turnovers. The Hokies turned those takeaways into 18 points on the other end of the floor. Soule's three steals led the way for Virginia Tech.

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How It Happened

After jumping out to an 11-6 advantage, Virginia Tech went on an 8-0 run with 5:31 left in the first quarter to increase its lead to 19-6. The Hokies then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 23-11 advantage.

Virginia Tech kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 6-0 run starting at the 8:11 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three from Amoore, to increase its lead to 29-11. The Hokies proceeded to tack on one point to that lead and enjoyed a 33-14 advantage heading into halftime. Virginia Tech forced five Duke turnovers in the period and turned them into four points.

Virginia Tech wasted no time building on its lead, going on a 7-0 run to expand its lead further to 40-14 with 7:43 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Blue Devils had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Hokies still entered the fourth quarter with a 51-26 edge. Virginia Tech took advantage of four Duke turnovers in the quarter, scoring nine points off of takeaways.

The Hokies then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Virginia Tech got up and down the court quickly in the quarter, scoring two fast break points.

Game Notes
» Elizabeth Kitley notched an impressive double-double for the Hokies with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
» The Hokies made half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down five of 10 shots.
» The Hokies held the Blue Devils to only 34 percent shooting from the field.
» The Hokies never trailed after taking a 23-11 first quarter lead.
» Elizabeth Kitley, Georgia Amoore, and Taylor Soule combined to account for 84 percent of the Hokies points.
» Virginia Tech had a 41-23 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Virginia Tech defense forced 15 turnovers.
» The Hokies were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Virginia Tech cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Elizabeth Kitley had a game-high 20 points and Georgia Amoore added 20.
» Virginia Tech got a game-high 11 rebounds from Elizabeth Kitley.

Up Next at Home
The Hokies return to Cassell Coliseum on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. ET versus NC State. Tickets are available starting as low as $5.
 

Gallery: (2-16-2023) WBB: Duke Game