Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech Women's Basketball Preview

Topher Wagner

January 10, 2021

ATLANTA, Ga. - Currently riding a three-game losing streak, Virginia Tech travels to Georgia Tech in a matchup of ACC foes looking to get back in the win column.

After a promising start to the season, the Hokies have hit a rough patch, losing three straight games for the first time since 2019. Most recently the Hokies fell in a heartbreaker at home to No. 2 ranked Louisville after a strong fourth quarter wasn’t enough to stymie the Cardinals. Currently sitting at 1-3 in conference play, this matchup with Georgia Tech looms large as Kenny Brooks’ squad looks to bounce back from its recent skid.

Georgia Tech has also had a somewhat up and down season as they have started 5-3 despite all losses being by single digits. They host the Hokies after a strong defensive performance in a 67-55 win over Clemson. Leading scorer Lotta-Maj Lahtinen led the way in the win, putting up 15 points and showing why she’s been Georgia Tech’s most valuable player this year. Lorela Cubaj’s play must also be mentioned as the senior forward put up a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 20 rebounds.

Much like it’s been all season for the Hokies, star duo Aisha Sheppard and Elizabeth Kitley put up a great effort in the loss to Louisville, combining for over half of the team’s points and shooting consistently throughout the contest. Virginia Tech will need its two biggest playmakers to continue to excel in order to get back in the win column. For Georgia Tech, its depth will be an important asset in this one as four players reached double figures in the win over Clemson.

Coming into this matchup, Virginia Tech trails in the all-time series 7-11 despite winning its last contest against the Yellow Jackets last year in an overtime thriller.

Virginia Tech Key to the Game: Win the Rebounding Battle:

The Hokies have been consistent on the glass this season, averaging 40 rebounds per game. Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, the Yellow Jackets are coming off a game where they hauled in 38 rebounds, including 17 on the offensive glass. Kitley will have to contain Cubaj in this one if the Hokies want to snap their losing streak

Georgia Tech Key to the Game: Force Turnovers

One of the major reasons why Georgia Tech dominated Clemson in its last game was due to forcing turnovers early and often. While the Virginia Tech offense has been explosive throughout the year, its Achilles’ heel may be a propensity for giving the ball away, as it averages 17 turnovers per game. The Hornets generated six steals against the Tigers and will look to continue their scrappy play with a similar performance against Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Elizabeth Kitley

Kitley has had a phenomenal season for the Hokies, following up her ACC Freshman of the Year honors last spring with tremendous play. In a near upset of Louisville, the center had 17 points and seven rebounds to anchor Virginia Tech’s paint presence. She’ll need to follow that up with another solid performance as she’ll be battling Cubaj for boards throughout the game.

Georgia Tech Player to Watch: Lotta-Maj Lahtinen

With a fairly balanced team, the Yellow Jackets have many players that have stepped up at various points this season, but Lahtinen has been the glue holding it all together. On the season, she leads the team in scoring, assists and steals while ranking second in rebounds and has played a strong role in each of Georgia Tech’s wins. In order to beat the Hokies, Lahtinen will have to continue to stuff the stat sheet and make a strong impact on both sides of the ball.

Score Prediction: Virginia Tech 82, Georgia Tech 70

Both of these ACC rivals have had their ups and downs so far this season and need a win to keep pace with the other powerhouses of the conference. The Hokies look to end their three-game losing streak after a four-point loss to Louisville, while Georgia Tech hopes to keep its momentum going with a second ACC win in a row.

Each team has played plenty of close games this year and this one will likely come down to whoever can close the game out strong in the fourth quarter. In this matchup that should feature plenty of scoring, the Hokies will end their losing skid behind a strong performance from Sheppard and Kitley, while containing the Yellow Jackets down the stretch.

Both squads are deep with plenty of talent, but after a close loss to the No. 2 team in the nation, Virginia Tech will be hungry to show it still belongs in ACC contention and will hold on to win its first road game of the year, 82-70.