Virginia Tech-Louisville Women's Basketball Preview

Topher Wagner

January 7, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — In its first game of the new calendar year, Virginia Tech will look to end a two-game losing skid as No. 2 Louisville comes to town.

After a strong undefeated start to their season, the Hokies had a rough finish to 2020, dropping their last two ACC games and falling to 6-2 on the year. On Thursday, Virginia Tech returns to Cassell Coliseum as it gears up to play the Cardinals. Much like the start of the women’s basketball season, the Hokies have had to adjust their schedule as positive Covid-19 tests in the NC State program postponed their initial matchup, leading Louisville to travel to Blacksburg in place of the Wolfpack.

Louisville has had an impressive season, going undefeated through its first eight games and sits tied at the top of the ACC. Despite three ACC games of its own being postponed, Louisville has weathered the storm well, outscoring its opponents by 30 points per game. Sharpshooter Dana Evans has dominated during her senior year, establishing herself as one of the conference’s top players and averaging a team-high 21 points per contest.

Following a Virginia Tech loss where it allowed 73 points against Florida State, including four Seminoles scoring in double figures, its defense will need to drastically improve to have a shot at upsetting Louisville. Beyond Evans, the Cardinals have shown to have many players that are able to step up and score when needed and hope to continue their strong shooting attack against the Hokies.

Virginia Tech comes into this matchup behind in the all- time series with Louisville 22-17, including losing seven straight. Louisville also looks to force the Hokies’ first three game losing skid since January 2019 as it looks to regain its hold at the top of ACC standings.

Virginia Tech Key to the Game: Shoot consistently from three

In their loss to Florida State, the Hokies’ high octane offense faltered at times, particularly from three-point land. Star guard Aisha Sheppard led the way shooting 6-16 from three, but the rest of the Virginia Tech squad struggled to keep up, shooting just 23% from beyond the arc.

For a team that averages 11 three pointers per game this year, it'll have to convert its big shots consistently in order to pull off the upset.

Louisville Key to the Game: Dominate the Offensive Boards

Coming off of a win over UT Martin where the Cardinals snagged twelve offensive boards, Louisville will need to continue performing well against a Virginia Tech squad with one of the best ACC rebounders in Elizabeth Kitley.

This year, rebounding has been one of the Cardinals' main strengths, as Louisville has averaged 47 rebounds per game. Its offense is driven by second chance opportunities and if Virginia Tech cannot slow them down, Louisville will likely pull away early.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Azana Baines

Azana Baines made her highly anticipated Hokies debut this past week against Florida State after transferring from Duke in the offseason.

The sophomore guard played well, putting up nine points and four rebounds in her first game in Blacksburg. For a Virginia Tech team that already has a good deal of depth, adding another skilled shooter able to put up solid production off the bench will help them rally from a difficult skid in the ACC.

Louisville Player to Watch: Dana Evans

The second ranked team in the country, the Cardinals have a very balanced lineup with plenty of starpower this year, but Dana Evans stands above the rest.

Evans has been everything Louisville could have hoped for and more this season, as she leads the team in scoring, three pointers and assists and has been a true leader for this dominant Cardinals squad.

Louisville will rely on Evans for another strong outing on their road trip to Blacksburg if it wants to keep its perfect season alive.

Score Prediction: Louisville 87, Virginia Tech 73

Both of the teams will be preparing for this ACC matchup on late notice due to Covid-19 schedule changes and will be looking for a crucial conference win to start off the New Year.

The Hokies have had an up and down season thus far, putting up solid offensive numbers to help an inconsistent defense at times. Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, it's running into a buzzsaw of a Louisville team whose closest contest this year was a 18-point victory in its season debut.

Because of the star power Sheppard and Kitley possess, the Hokies will keep this close in the first half before the experience of Evans and strong depth from Louisville will lead the Cardinals to pull away late as the Hokies drop their third in a row, 87-73.