Hokies Rally Past Georgia Tech to Advance in the ACC Tournament

Virginia Tech Hokies women's basketball vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
 Final Score: Virginia Tech 62, Georgia Tech 54
 Location: Gas South Arena

Slow Start for Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech faced an early challenge in its second-round ACC Tournament matchup against Georgia Tech on Thursday afternoon in Duluth, Georgia. The Yellow Jackets came out firing, building a commanding 17–5 lead late in the first quarter.

Georgia Tech’s aggressive defense and quick scoring runs from Talayah Walker and Erica Moon forced several early Hokie misses and turnovers. Despite the slow start, Virginia Tech found a small spark late in the quarter as Carleigh Wenzel scored twice in the final minute to cut the deficit to 17–7 after the first period.

Hokies Flip the Momentum in the Second Quarter

The momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter as Virginia Tech tightened its defense and began converting on offense going on a 24-r run.

Samyha Suffren jump-started the run with a fast-break layup, followed by Mackenzie Nelson scoring in transition after a steal. The Hokies continued attacking the paint, with Nelson and Carys Baker combining for several key baskets.

Virginia Tech eventually took its first lead when Leila Wells knocked down a jumper to make it 20–19, completing the comeback. Baker then buried a three-pointer during a 13-2 Hokie run that pushed the advantage to eight points. By halftime, Virginia Tech had completely reversed the game’s momentum and led 29–23.

Virginia Tech Women's Basketball
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Leila Wells. Tech's leading scorer. 💯

Defense and Shooting Build the Lead

The Hokies carried their momentum into the third quarter. Strong ball movement led to a transition three from Leila Wells, while Mackenzie Nelson knocked down two three-pointers to stretch the lead to double digits.

Virginia Tech’s defense also stepped up, forcing multiple Georgia Tech turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities. Nelson continued to be a key contributor on both ends, scoring inside and grabbing important rebounds.

By the end of the third quarter, the Hokies had built a 50–46 lead, putting themselves in control entering the final period.

Late Execution Seals the Win

Georgia Tech made one last push early in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to just two points. But Virginia Tech responded with poise.

With just over a minute remaining, Samyha Suffren drilled a pull-up jumper to extend the Hokies’ lead to ten points. Virginia Tech’s defense then forced missed three-point attempts from the Yellow Jackets, while Mackenzie Nelson and Carleigh Wenzel secured key rebounds to close the game.

Georgia Tech scored a late basket in the final seconds, but the Hokies had already sealed the outcome.

Comeback Victory

Despite trailing by 14 points in the first quarter, Virginia Tech outscored Georgia Tech 55–37 the rest of the way to secure a 62–54 comeback victory.

The win sent the Hokies forward in the ACC Tournament and showcased the resilience that has defined their season overcoming a difficult start with strong defense, balanced scoring, and timely shot-making. The Hokies will take on the North Carolina Tar Heels tomorrow night in the Quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament