Game Preview: Virginia Tech Women's Basketball vs. Florida State

Topher Wagner

December 31, 2020

BLACKSBURG, VA. - After a two-week long winter break, Virginia Tech and Florida State face off in this New Year’s Eve contest as ACC play picks up.

Florida State has had a difficult start to its year with three of its games being cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. Despite the shakeup in their schedule, the Seminoles have weathered the storm and currently sit at 3-1 with wins over Florida, Virginia and Pittsburgh with only defeat ACC rival Clemson by three points. Throughout this hectic start, junior guard Kourtney Weber has been the Seminoles’ best player, averaging 17 points and 4 rebounds per game.

An undefeated 6-0 start to the season had Virginia Tech rolling through the first month of the year as they looked to jump into the AP Top 25. Unfortunately for the Hokies, this came to a halt after losing a close matchup with Notre Dame in their final game before the holiday break. Tech looks to bounce back in its first home game at Cassell Coliseum in three weeks.

After leading by as many as 11 against the Fighting Irish on Dec. 17, the game quickly got away from the Hokies as they allowed Notre Dame to shoot an impressive 53% from three. Turnovers down the stretch also doomed Virginia Tech as they gave the ball away 21 times, with nearly half of those coming from the star duo of Aisha Sheppard and Elizabeth Kitley.

Historically, Florida State has dominated Virginia Tech with a 29-10 all-time record against the Hokies, including eight straight victories in the series. Virginia Tech looks to end the Seminoles’ streak as they face Florida State for the first time with interim coach Brooke Wyckoff at the helm.

Virginia Tech Keys to the Game: Minimize Turnovers

Against Notre Dame, the Hokies’ stout offense was tested more than it had been all season. Despite putting up 78 points, Virginia Tech turned the ball over 21 times, including five giveaways in the fourth quarter. Facing a defensive Florida State squad that has allowed just 61 points and forced 16 turnovers per game this season, this game could get away from the Hokies fast if they continue to play sloppy basketball.

Florida State Keys to the Game: Win the Rebounding Battle

In their matchup against Pittsburgh, the Seminoles held on to win despite being outrebounded for the first time all year. One of the biggest strengths for Florida State this season has been their dominance on the glass, as FSU averages 43 rebounds per game and possesses a +9 rebounding margin over opponents. The ability to control the boards will be integral to Florida State’s matchup against the Hokies, as Virginia Tech star Elizabeth Kitley has singlehandedly averaged almost 12 rebounds per game to start the year.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Aisha Sheppard

Senior guard Aisha Sheppard has been one of the Hokies’ best players so far this year as the veteran is second on the team in scoring with over 17 points per game. Despite this great start, she’s coming off a rough outing against Notre Dame where she put up only 14 points and turned the ball over four times before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. As one of the key leaders on this Virginia Tech squad, she’ll look to bounce back against Florida State.

Florida State Player to Watch: Kourtney Weber

Junior Kourtney Weber has truly been everywhere for the Seminoles this year, as the guard leads the team in scoring while shooting a phenomenal 58% from the field. Most recently against Pittsburgh, Weber contributed strongly on both sides of the ball, putting up 19 points to lead all scorers while also forcing three steals. Her offensive dominance this season must continue against the Hokies as this game has the potential to become a high scoring affair in a hurry.

Score Prediction: Virginia Tech: 85, Florida State: 80

This ACC battle should be a back and forth affair, pitting a Virginia Tech squad averaging 83 points per game so far this season against a Florida State team whose key strength has been a dominant defense. While the Seminoles have thrived rebounding the basketball this year, they will face one of the ACC’s best rebounders in Kitley.

In what will likely be a tight matchup throughout, the Seminoles will fail to keep up with the Hokies’ high powered offense despite a dominant outing from Weber and fall in a close one, 85-80.