Virginia Tech Once Again Bested By Iowa In Ally Tipoff, 71-52

Zachary Ozmon

Editor-in-Chief

November 10, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Last year's Ally Tipoff matchup between Virginia Tech and Iowa featured a bundle of stars with the likes of Caitlyn Clark, Elizabeth Kitley and Georgia Amoore, as well as veteran head coaches Lisa Bluder and Kenny Brooks.

This year, despite the presence of different storylines, both teams entered the matchup with similar situations.

But, just like the year prior, the Hawkeyes (2-0) outmatched the Hokies (1-1) inside the Spectrum Center on Sunday night, pulling away in the second half for a 71-52 win.

“We just didn’t put 40 minutes together; I thought we had some great moments,” Tech first-year head coach Megan Duffy said. “That first and third quarter defensively really hurt us, and giving up 26 and 22 points is not what we are looking to do. 

“This is a young team, and some of our vets are in new roles, so we're trying to figure out that consistency. I saw a couple uncharacteristic things from our players, but we will go back tomorrow and watch the film.”

Iowa jumped out to an early 26-16 lead in the first quarter, playing mostly through last year's contributing forward Hannah Stuelke. As the Hokies adjusted in the second quarter, they had gotten themselves back within four points heading into the half.

“I think we came out and we knew we had to make a run,” Hokies guard Carleigh Wenzel said. “We aren’t a team to take a punch and back down from it.”

Despite getting themselves back into the game, Tech quickly lost its mojo, getting worked inside the paint and out on the perimeter by the likes of Addison O’Grady and Lucy Olson.

As the lead for Iowa ballooned to 16 and Tech not being able to knock down much-needed shots, the Hawkeyes cruised in the fourth quarter and ultimately outmatched the new Hokies squad.

Made shots were hard to come by in the contest, especially from long distance, as both teams connected on a combined nine threes out of 42 attempts. Tech shot about 36% from the field — a big reason for its loss.

“We had to move it and share it at the right time,” Duffy said. “You know if we hit some of those threes better, that could have been a little bit of the difference.” 

Tech just couldn’t string anything together; whether it was Rose Micheaux getting into foul trouble, Matilda Ekh being held to only six shot attempts, or the lack of ability to drive the paint, many factors reigned true as the Hokies obviously have a lot to improve.

“They were packing the paint,” Wenzel said. “I think we were looking to get downhill and touch paint, and it was a little hard with their length.” 

The length on Iowa was just too much for Virginia Tech to handle at times, but that is something that Duffy and her players know will improve as they receive more reps and play more games this year.

“All around they were a tough and gritty team,” Micheaux said. “We have to do a better job of spacing the floor or just looking to see what we have and be connected to one another.” 

This game taught the Hokies a ton, and they know what is in front of them and what they can become.

Tech intends to recover from its loss in Charlotte on Wednesday as UNC Asheville (0-1) comes into Cassell Coliseum for a 6:00 p.m. ET tip on ACC Network Extra.