virginia tech-pitt women's hoops preview

Jay Winters

December 10, 2020

BLACKSBURG, Va. — After closing out the non-conference slate of the season with a perfect record, Virginia Tech moves onto conference play against the Pittsburgh Panthers Thursday at 6:00 p.m at Cassell Coliseum.

The Hokies are coming off one of their best defensive performances of the season against Gardner Webb where they limited the Runnin’ Bulldogs to a lowly 39 points, including a four-point third quarter. Virginia Tech also held all GWU players under the double digit mark. Center Elizabeth Kitley and guard Aisha Shepard continued their season-long dominance as both netted 17 points, followed closely behind by guard Georgia Amoore and forward Asiah Jones, who both had 15.

Pittsburgh only played three non-conference games compared to the Hokies’ five, and posted double digit wins over the likes of George Mason and Hofstra, while losing to Delaware by six. New Mexico transfer, junior Jayla Everett, has led the Panthers in scoring in each game, averaging just over 20 points. Besides Everett, there’s almost a nine-point gap in scoring average.

Sophomore Dayshanette Harris is the only other player who averages doubles figures with 11.7 points per game. Other than these two, three additional Pitt players average around six points, followed by another three who average around four points.

The Hokies are 10-5 all time versus the Panthers, and 5-3 since Pitt joined the ACC in the 2013-2014 season. Tech is currently riding a three-game win streak over the Panthers, including a 68-56 victory in Blacksburg last season. Aisha Sheppard drained five threes while on the way to a 16-point game, followed by Elizabeth Kitley, who posted a five points and six rebound statline. Amber Brown and Gabbie Green led the Panthers with 10 and nine points a piece. Both Brown and Green remain on the roster for Pitt this season.

Virginia Tech Keys to the Game: Force Pitt into Trouble

Through only three games, Pittsburgh is one of the worst teams in the country in two critical stats: average fouls per game and turnovers per game. The Panthers average 25 personal fouls along with 21.7 turnovers per game, and if the Hokies can force the Panthers into early foul trouble while forcing Pitt into early turnovers, the game could result in a blowout early.

Pittsburgh Keys to the Game: Win the Rebound Battle

Coming into this game, both Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh have out rebounded their opponents in every contest, and this will no doubt be a battle of strength versus strength. If Pitt can control the defensive boards and limit Elizabeth Kitley’s second chance opportunities while procuring a couple offensive rebounds here and there, the Panthers could make it a tight ball game.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Georgia Amoore

The freshman point guard for the Hokies has stepped into her role nicely as she ranks third on the team in scoring and is tied for second in assists. Thursday will be Amoore’s first ACC game, and it will be interesting to watch how she handles the reins at point guard. Amoore may have a few hiccups in this contest, as would be normal for any freshman in their first conference game, but with the poise and confidence she has shown in prior games, Amoore should shine in her debut.

Pittsburgh Player to Watch: Jayla Everett

Everett has been Pitt’s go to player, and the junior guard is 2nd in the ACC in scoring behind Florida State’s Morgan Jones, who averages 23. Everett has shown she can take anyone off the dribble while also shooting a deadly 48% from three, which is a stark improvement from her sophomore season with the New Mexico Lobos, where she shot 29%. Everett is also a perfect 14 of 14 from the free throw line, which is tied for second most in the country.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 81, Pitt 62.

Pittsburgh has never won their opening conference game since joining the ACC (0-7 all-time) while Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks is only 1-3 in ACC openers, but expect Pittsburgh’s trend to continue.

Pittsburgh is a team that goes deep into their bench, but Virginia Tech’s defense should force Pitt to turn the ball over, while also forcing players outside of Jayla Everett to score. None of VT’s opponents have shown that they are capable of stopping Elizabeth Kitley down low, and it will be interesting to see how Kitley handles 6’4” center Rita Igbokwe — her tallest matchup of the season. Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise for Kitley's double-double streak to continue, along with kick out threes from the barrage of Hokie guards.

Tech easily handles the Panthers 81-62.