Virginia Tech Snaps Skid, Overwhelms Syracuse 77-57

Virginia Tech women’s basketball responded in a big way Thursday evening, defeating Syracuse, 77-57, at JMA Wireless Dome to snap a two-game losing streak in the New Year.

After starting out 1-3 in conference play, the Hokies (12-5, 2-3 ACC) secured their first Quad 1 victory of the season over the Orange (13-3, 3-2 ACC). Virginia Tech held Syracuse to just 35 percent from the field in one of the Hokies’ most complete performances of the season. The Hokies’ balanced offense and stifling defense ensured that Syracuse never really threatened to take control of the game.

The Hokies controlled the game early and did not let Syracuse find a rhythm. After the first quarter, Tech found itself up 22-15 and extended the margin to double digits midway through the second. In that second quarter, the Orange did not score until 3:40 remaining in the half when Angelica Velez broke the drought.

A scary moment in the second quarter occurred when Syracuse’s Uche Izoje made contact with Tech forward Kayl Petersen while coming down from a layup attempt, striking Petersen in the nose. Petersen was down for several minutes as officials reviewed the play, subsequently upgrading the foul to a flagrant 1. Petersen later returned to the Hokies’ bench but did not re-enter the game.

Despite Syracuse’s offensive struggles, Izoje was a bright spot for the Orange. The freshman finished the game with 14 points, seven rebounds — five of which were offensive boards — and five blocks. On the season, Izoje averages three blocks a game, tied for No. 3 in the country.

The second quarter was the Hokies’ weakest quarter offensively, but they were so defensively sound that it did not hurt them. The Orange went into the half with some momentum, scoring six points in the final 1:06 before intermission. Virginia Tech’s lead remained solid at 35-23 going into the break, though.

Any hope for a Syracuse comeback disappeared in the third quarter. While the Orange had its best offensive frame, scoring 18, the Hokies still outscored them in that frame with 27 points, shooting a standout 9-for-16 in the tertiary frame.

Carleigh Wenzel had one of her best games of the season, securing 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal. She shot the ball 7-for-15 from the field and was perfect from deep, making all four of her three-point attempts. Four other Hokies produced double-digit scoring outputs. Forward Carys Baker and guard Mackenzie Nelson logged 13 points apiece, while fellow forward Kilah Freelon added 12. Guard Samyha Suffren also logged 16 points off the bench.

Going into the fourth, Virginia Tech maintained a comfortable 62-41 lead over the Orange. The Hokies were content with sapping time off the shot clock and finished the game with a 20-point win over a quality conference opponent, securing their first Quad 1 victory of the season if Syracuse stays in the top-45. In the fourth quarter, the Hokies went 3-for-4 on three point attempts, including two made threes on consecutive possessions by Wenzel.

Virginia Tech shot 45% (29-for-64) from the field and 67% from three (6-for-9). That three point percentage is encouraging to see following the Hokies’ 0-for-16 from deep in their last game against Louisville.

One of the more memorable moments of the season came in the fourth quarter, when Mackenzie Nelson’s younger sister, Camdyn, checked into the game and guarded her older sister for the final few possessions of the game. Both of their parents were in attendance for the game.

With the win, Virginia Tech improves to 12-5 overall and 2-3 in conference play. The Hokies will look to build momentum Sunday, Jan. 11 at noon ET when they host a struggling Boston College at noon at Cassell Coliseum. The Eagles (4-13, 0-4 ACC) are winless in ACC play. Coverage for the game will be on the ACC Network.