Hokies Defend Cassell, Surge Past East Tennessee State 73–55

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech continued its dominance inside Cassell Coliseum on Sunday afternoon, pulling away in the second half to defeat the East Tennessee State Buccaneers 73–55. With the win, the Hokies improved to 9–3 overall and an impressive 8–1 at home, reaffirming Cassell as one of the toughest environments for visiting teams this season.

East Tennessee State, meanwhile, dropped to 4–8 overall and 0–4 on the road, showing flashes of competitiveness but ultimately unable to keep pace with Virginia Tech’s depth, defensive pressure, and second-half execution.

A Competitive Opening Quarter

The Buccaneers came into Blacksburg determined to challenge the Hokies early. ETSU opened the game with strong ball movement and disciplined half-court offense, holding Virginia Tech to just 10 points in the first quarter. Behind steady perimeter shooting and interior toughness, ETSU built a narrow 16–10 lead after the first quarter.

Virginia Tech struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the opening minutes, missing early shots and committing uncharacteristic turnovers. However, the Hokies’ defensive intensity kept the deficit manageable and set the tone for what would become a game of momentum swings.

Hokies Take Control Before the Half

The second quarter marked a turning point. Virginia Tech adjusted defensively, tightening passing lanes and forcing East Tennessee State into contested shots. The Hokies outscored the Buccaneers 22–11 in the period, flipping the game in their favor before halftime.

Junior forward Carys Baker (#10) sparked the run, attacking the basket and converting from the free-throw line. Baker finished the game with 22 points, shooting an efficient 7-for-11 from the field while adding eight rebounds and a block. Her aggressiveness set the pace for the Hokies’ offense.

Virginia Tech entered the locker room with a 32–27 lead, despite still working through shooting inconsistencies from beyond the arc.

Third-Quarter Surge Seals It

Any hopes of an ETSU comeback were quickly erased in the third quarter. Virginia Tech erupted for 25 points, their most productive frame of the afternoon, while holding the Buccaneers to just 14.

The Hokies’ balanced attack came alive, with Mel Daley (#21) providing a physical presence inside. Daley scored 13 points, drawing fouls and converting 7 of 11 free throws, while also grabbing four rebounds. Her ability to score through contact proved crucial in wearing down the Buccaneers’ interior defense.

Point guard Mackenzie Nelson (#3) orchestrated the offense masterfully, finishing with eight assists, seven points, and three steals. Nelson’s court vision and defensive instincts helped Virginia Tech build a double-digit cushion that ETSU never seriously threatened again.

Bench Depth Makes the Difference

One of the defining aspects of the game was Virginia Tech’s bench production. The Hokies received valuable minutes and energy from multiple reserves, most notably Samyha Suffren (#12), who poured in 12 points in just 19 minutes of action. Suffren’s scoring burst off the bench stretched the defense and added another layer to an already potent Hokies lineup.

Virginia Tech’s reserves combined to provide defensive stops, rebounding, and timely scoring, helping the Hokies win the rebounding battle 44–27 and control the tempo throughout the second half.

East Tennessee State Fights, But Falls Short

Despite the loss, East Tennessee State showed resilience and effort throughout the contest. The Buccaneers played with discipline early and never stopped competing, even as Virginia Tech extended its lead.

ETSU struggled to generate consistent offense in the second half, particularly against the Hokies’ pressure defense. Turnovers and missed opportunities at the free-throw line proved costly, as the Buccaneers were unable to capitalize on Virginia Tech’s occasional lapses.

Still, the Buccaneers displayed promise, especially in their first-quarter execution and ability to challenge a strong ACC opponent on the road. For a young ETSU squad still searching for its first away win, the game offered valuable experience against high-level competition.

Closing It Out at Cassell

Virginia Tech finished the game shooting 41% from the field, 36% from three-point range, and 62% from the free-throw line, numbers that reflected a balanced but still improving offensive performance. Defensively, the Hokies recorded nine steals, seven blocks, and forced ETSU into uncomfortable possessions down the stretch.

The final score, 73–55, underscored Virginia Tech’s ability to make adjustments, dominate the paint, and wear down opponents with depth and defensive intensity.

As the Hokies continue to build momentum at home, Cassell Coliseum remains a fortress. Sunday’s win not only extended Virginia Tech’s home success but also highlighted the growth and balance of a team finding its stride as the season progresses.

For East Tennessee State, the loss adds another road challenge, but the Buccaneers leave Blacksburg with lessons learned and the opportunity to regroup as they prepare for the next phase of their schedule.