Defense Fuels the Win as Hokies Roll Past Pittsburgh, 67–50

Megan Duffy’s philosophy of playing sustainable basketball continues to pay dividends for Virginia Tech, and was on full display as the Hokies secured their sixth straight win with a 67–50 victory over Pittsburgh at Cassell Coliseum. While the final score suggests a comfortable win, the game itself told a story of defensive pressure, patience, and timely execution.

Virginia Tech set the tone early with a strong defensive start, emphasizing rebounding and ball pressure. Pittsburgh struggled to find any offensive rhythm, opening the game 0–6 from the field. Although the Panthers briefly responded with a 7–0 run, both teams experienced a rough shooting start. Pittsburgh shot just 4–15 early, while Virginia Tech wasn’t much better at 6–15. Despite the shooting struggles, the Hokies remained composed and leaned into their defensive identity.

That defense quickly became the difference. Virginia Tech forced five quick turnovers in the opening stretch, disrupting Pittsburgh’s offensive flow. Off the bench, Mel Daley provided an immediate spark, knocking down a pair of mid-range shots to score six quick points. Her production helped push the Hokies ahead, and midway through the second quarter, Virginia Tech stretched its lead to 14 points—their largest of the first half.

The Hokies’ 2–3 zone continued to cause problems for Pittsburgh, forcing tough passes and contested shots. Still, the Panthers stayed within striking distance thanks to Mikayla Johnson, who carried the offense with 12 first-half points. Her performance helped cut the deficit to six by halftime. Both teams struggled to generate offense consistently, but each managed to secure 15 defensive rebounds, keeping the game physical and competitive.

The second half opened much like the first, with both teams experiencing a rocky offensive start. The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, as Pittsburgh attempted to chip away at the lead while Virginia Tech focused on maintaining control. Kilah Freelon delivered a key moment during this stretch, scoring to push the Hokies’ advantage back to double digits. Johnson continued her strong play for Pittsburgh, reaching 18 points and trimming the lead to eight, but Virginia Tech responded with poise.

Free throws proved crucial for the Hokies, who missed just one from the line through the first three quarters. While the overall team statistics were similar, Virginia Tech’s ability to force 12 turnovers became a game-changing factor.

The fourth quarter remained tight early, with both teams trading possessions following a difficult shooting night. However, Virginia Tech’s defense once again stepped up when it mattered most. Mackenzie Nelson made back-to-back game-altering plays, disrupting a pass and intercepting the ball on the other end to force another Pittsburgh turnover. She followed that up with a crucial steal that helped preserve a five-point lead with just over three minutes remaining.

Momentum fully shifted when Johnson fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, limiting Pittsburgh’s offensive options. From there, Virginia Tech closed the game in dominant fashion, scoring the final 12 points and pushing its lead to 17—its largest of the night. The Hokies’ ability to attack the basket, defend without fouling, and capitalize on mistakes sealed the win.

Virginia Tech’s six-game winning streak reflects Duffy’s emphasis on sustainable basketball—prioritizing defense, effort, and smart decision-making over relying solely on shooting. On a night when shots didn’t always fall, the Hokies proved they can still control games through discipline and defensive pressure, walking away with a convincing 67–50 victory.