Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG — Georgia Amoore scored a game-high 22 points and set the program's single-season 3-point record in Virginia Tech's 58-33 victory over Chattanooga in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament inside Cassell Coliseum.
Amoore led four Hokies (28-4) in double-figure scoring to propel Tech into the second round where it will await the nine seed South Dakota State on Sunday. The junior guard connected on 5 of 8 from downtown to move her season total to 99, surpassing Aisha Sheppard's 2021-22 season total of 96.
The Hokies, who won their 12th straight game, advance to the second round for the second time in three years and ninth time overall.
Chattanooga, the Southern Conference champion and No. 16 seed, ends its season at 20-13 under first-year head coach and former Tech associate head coach Shawn Poppie. Yazz Wazeerud-Din and Raven Thompson led the Mocs in the scoring column with 10 points apiece.
Tech's defense was tenacious all night, holding the Mocs to a season-low point total. The Hokies limited Chattanooga to 28.6% shooting while forcing the visitors into 15 turnovers.
The Hokies commanded the paint for a 32-18 advantage and out-rebounded the Mocs, 38-22. ACC Player of the Year Elizabeth Kitley finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds for her 20th double-double of the season. Kayana Traylor and Taylor Soule also reached double figures with 12 and 10, respectively.
How it Happened
» Amoore and Kitley combined for 16 of the Hokies' 18 points in the first quarter on 6 of 9 shooting between the two
» Leading 9-8 with 4:23 to go in the opening stanza, the Hokies rattled off a 17-0 run to build a 26-8 advantage with 5:10 to go in the second quarter
» The Hokies clamped down on Chattanooga, not allowing a field goal for over nine minutes of game time during the 17-0 run
» Amoore's stepback trey with 3:07 in the second quarter broke the program's single-season 3-pointers made record and established a 29-13 Tech lead
» Tech built a 31-16 advantage at the half, led by Amoore (13) and Kitley (10)
» The Hokies outscored the Mocs 11-9 in the third frame to take a 42-27 lead into the final 10 minutes
Game Notes
» VT is 6-0 against Chattanooga all-time and improved to 10-11 in NCAA Tournament games (12 appearances)
» Tech advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years and ninth time overall
» The Hokies won their 12th consecutive game – their longest win streak since VT won 15 straight to open the Kenny Brooks era
» Tech earned its 28th victory of the season, tying a program record set in 1998-99
» VT recorded its 15th win inside Cassell this season, tying a program record for most in a single season (achieved three times prior: 2017-18, 2001-02 and 1998-99)
» Georgia Amoore set the single-season program record for 3-pointers made with 99, surpassing former teammate Aisha Sheppard's 96
» Tech is a No. 1 seed for the first time in program history and hosted an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since March 23, 2004 vs. Penn State
» Georgia Amoore topped the 20-point plateau for the 11th time this season, finishing with a game-high 22 points on 8 of 17 shooting
» Elizabeth Kitley notched her 20th double-double of the season behind 12 points and 14 rebounds
» The Hokies held their fifth straight opponent to below 40% shooting
» Chattanooga's 33 points were a season low (previous low was 39 at Tennessee on Dec. 6)Gallery: (3-17-2023) WBB: NCAA First Round vs. Chattanooga