Virginia Tech Survives, Faces NC State on Friday

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Virginia Tech’s blazing start provided enough cushion to withstand Miami’s scrappy finish, and the Hokies are moving on in this year’s Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Virginia Tech claimed a 72-64 win in Thursday night’s second-round game at the Greensboro Coliseum, but closing the deal proved a shade more difficult than many in attendance might have at one point envisioned. The Hokies knocked the Hurricanes back at the outset and held a 21-point lead (57-36) with a little more than 13 minutes remaining.

Led by a standout performance from reigning ACC Player of the Week Destiny Harden (a career-high 27 points, 11 rebounds), Miami finally located some of the magic that produced a three-game winning streak at the end of the regular season. The Hurricanes closed within seven points twice in the fourth quarter and had several chances to make the score even tighter.

But the Hokies refused to let things become that interesting. Elizabeth Kitley thwarted one Miami comeback bid with a three-point play with 5:11 remaining that pushed Virginia Tech’s lead back to 62-52. Miami crept to within seven once more (71-64), but two missed jump shots in the final 28 seconds prevented the Hurricanes from getting any closer.

The win sent the Hokies (14-8) to Friday’s 6 p.m. quarterfinal game versus tournament No. 2-seed and nationally No. 3-ranked NC State (17-2). Virginia Tech had an impressive track record versus the Wolfpack during the regular season, battling to the wire before dropping an 89-87 decision in Raleigh on Jan. 24 before rebounding to win 83-71 at home just four days later.

Kitley and Cayla King, who starred at nearby Northwest Guilford High, made a triumphant return to their home county Thursday night by combining for 31 points. Hokies’ All-ACC Freshman guard Georgia Amoore matched Kitley for team-high scoring honors with 16 points while handing out a game-high five assists. D’asia Gregg posted her first double-double at Virginia Tech with season highs in both points (13) and rebounds (10).

Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba added 13 points for Miami (11-11).