Hokie ClubCHARLOTTE AMALIE, US Virgin Islands – Virginia Tech closed their island trip with a strong all-around performance, defeating Oregon State 78-67 on Saturday afternoon at the Elridge Wilburn Blake Sports and Fitness Center.
Guard Mel Daley was named to the Paradise Jam Island Division All-Tournament team after averaging 20 points over two contests.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Virginia Tech opened the contest as a dominant force, shooting 56 percent from the field (9-16, 0.563) while remaining perfect from long-range (2-2) and from the free throw line (6-6). Guard Mel Daley helped to set the tone with her eight points, two assists, and two steals in the opening ten minutes as she did not miss a shot. Mackenzie Nelson followed with seven points. Tech doubled their lead twice during the frame, the last at 1:02 when Leila Wells drove hard throw the paint and threw up a long hook shot. The Hokies pushed the pace while holding Oregon State without a free-throw attempt to take a 26-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Both teams traded baskets for most of the second period ensuring that the Hokies could not go on long scoring runs. Oregon State used two three-pointers and utilized three makes from the free throw line to cool off Tech’s offensive pressure. Daley helped to maintain the momentum for Tech as she reached 18 first half points while only missing one shot (7-8, 0.875) from the field. Virginia Tech entered halftime ahead 44-33, anchored by a perfect 10-10 performance at the charity stripe and 51.6 shooting percentage through the first 20 minutes.
After the Beavers cut their deficit to nine to open the second half, Tech went on an 11-0 run to extend their lead to 20, the largest of the afternoon. Carleigh Wenzel connected from deep twice in the quarter to fuel the Hokies lights out shooting (6-11, 0.545) in the third frame to take a 62-50 lead into the last period.
Oregon State came out determined in fourth quarter, ignited by 12 unanswered points to make it a three-point game twice, making it interesting with 5:58 remaining. Carys Baker carried the offensive load as she scored 12 of the Hokies’ 16 points in the final frame. Tech’s efficient late-game possessions allowed them to seal a 78-67 victory.
GAME NOTES
- Virginia Tech moves to 3-1 this season when facing an opponent for the first time in program history
- The Hokies earned their first victory over a school from the West Coast Conference (WCC) since Nov. 30, 2002, a 72-50 result against Washington State
- Tech improves to 3-1 all-time against the WCC
- Virginia Tech found momentum on fast breaks, out-scoring Oregon State, 19-6
- The Hokies held the slight rebounding advantage, 36-35
- 21 of Tech’s 29 field goals were assisted
- All six of Virginia Tech's victories have been decided by double figures
- Mel Daley led all players with 24 points while Carys Baker was right behind with 20, both were season-highs
- Daley’s 10 field goal makes were also a season-best
- Baker put up her fourth career 20-point game while tying her season-high marks in rebounds (7) and three-pointers (3)
- It was the first game that featured two Hokies who scored 20 or more points since three accomplished the feat on Feb. 6, 2025 against Syracuse: Carleigh Wenzel (24), Carys Baker (24) and Lani White (20)
- Guards Mackenzie Nelson and Carleigh Wenzel dished six assists each
- Virginia Tech holds a 5-1 record when Nelson tallies five or more assists in a game
UP NEXT
Virginia Tech will compete in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Thursday, Dec. 4 as they host Florida inside Cassell Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2.