Hokies pull away at Syracuse for a 77–57 winHokies pull away at Syracuse for a 77–57 win
Women's Basketball

Hokies pull away at Syracuse for a 77–57 win

Carleigh Wenzel went a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc to total a game-high 18 points

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Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Virginia Tech (12-5, 2-3 ACC) put together a total team effort to take down Syracuse (13-3, 3-2 ACC), 77-57, Thursday evening inside the JMA Wireless Dome.

Five players finished in double figures for the first time since Nov. 20 when they did so against Niagara.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Virginia Tech and Syracuse exchanged baskets until the Hokies were able to separate, starting with Mackenzie Nelson’s (8:28) steal near halfcourt for a layup. She then hit a three-pointer at the 6:21 mark before dishing to Carleigh Wenzel (4:38), who banked in her shot from beyond the arc to stay ahead, 14-11. The Orange scored four quick points after being held off the board for three and a half minutes, but Samyha Suffren (0:53) hit a mid-range shot to keep Tech in front, 22-15.​

The Hokies controlled a majority of the second period, putting together an 11-0 run while holding Syracuse without a point for over a six-minute stretch. Both teams went scoreless again until Suffren (1:35) drew contact on her way to the basket. The Orange had the last six points of the half, but Virginia Tech headed into halftime with a 35-23 lead.​

Syracuse called a timeout early in the third frame after Nelson scored four quick points with two makes from the line and then another steal-and-score layup at 7:40. The Orange then answered with six straight points before Suffren’s (3:12) shot in the paint bounced in. During the final three minutes of the quarter, the scoring went back and forth as Tech pulled ahead, 62-41.​

After the Orange opened the final period with a made free throw, Wenzel knocked down timely, consecutive three-pointers to help build on the Hokies’ edge. On the next offensive possession, Kilah Freelon (7:18) cleaned up the glass for a basket to give Tech a 26-point advantage, its largest of the night. Syracuse attempted to mount a response, but the Hokies answered every push to secure a 77-57 victory on the road.​

GAME NOTES

    • Virginia Tech won their fourth game in the last five meetings against Syracuse
    • The Hokies had five players finish in double figures, improving to 4-0 on the season when that occurs
    • Tech won the battle in the paint, 32-26
    • Guard Carleigh Wenzel led all players with 18 points while tying the team-best in rebounds (6) and assists (5)
    • Guard Samyha Suffren finished with 16 points after going 7-11 (0.636) from the field
    • Both Carys Baker and Mackenzie Nelson totaled 13 points in the contest
    • Baker tied the team lead in rebounds (6) while Nelson finished with five assists and three steals, both team-highs
    • Tech improves to 9-2 when Nelson dishes out five or more assists in a game
    • Forward Kilah Freelon rounded out the double figure scoring with 12 points to go with her six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks

UP NEXT

Virginia Tech returns to the confines of Cassell Coliseum on Sunday, Jan. 11 for a noon tip-off against Boston College. The game will be streamed nationally on ACC Network.