The No. 17 Virginia Tech Hokies have now extended their win streak to four games after a 76-63 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers in Cassell Coliseum. Perhaps what makes this streak even more impressive, is the fact that not a single one of these games was a single-digit victory, as the Hokies have blown ACC teams out by an average of 14 points per game over the last 4 wins.
The Hokies were coming off an impressive win at No. 21 Syracuse, despite Elizabeth Kitley having her first single-digit scoring performance of the season. While it is a great sign that the Hokies can get a big win without a good performance from their All-American center, they still count on Kitley to shine almost every game.
Against Virginia, Kitley responded with a 33-point, 18-rebound masterpiece, where she went 15-25 from the field while playing all 40 minutes. Georgia Amoore also played all 40 minutes, logging a 20-point, 14-assist double-double. Amoore’s recent uptick is also a great sign for the Hokies as the near March Madness.
Over a 10-game stretch from December 6th to January 18th, Amoore averaged 15 points and seven assists on about 39% from the field and 31% from three point range. Over the last three games, Amoore has raised her stats tremendously, as she is averaging 24 points and 10 assists per game on 52% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 100% from the free-throw line. Even looking past the statistics, Amoore has changed the energy and explosiveness the Hokies play with ever since returning from her injury, she sustained against the Duke Blue Devils.
As a team, the Hokies didn’t even shoot particularly well against Virginia on Thursday evening. Virginia Tech shot 43% from the field and 23% from long range, compared to the 37% from the field, and 35% from distance for the Cavaliers. The Hokies were really able to separate themselves from the Hoos with their ball movement, throwing 20 assists and just six turnovers, compared to six assists and 9 turnovers for Virginia. Virginia Tech similarly dominated the rebounding battle, out rebounding UVA 47-31.
Even with this being said, the Cavaliers kept it close in the first half, only trailing by five at halftime. However, the third quarter was all Hokies, as they won the quarter 17-5, and never looked back after building a commanding lead.
Despite losing, Virginia got impressive performances out of Kymora Johnson and Paris Clark, who combined for 40 of the Cavaliers 63 total points on the night. Kymora Johnson, in particular, has really come alive as of late, leading the team in scoring for the fifth consecutive game.
Looking ahead, the Hokies will look to win their fifth-straight, as they travel to Chapel Hill to face the 24th ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. Virginia Tech seems to have refound its groove just in the nick of time, as five of their final eight games will be played against ranked opponents.
