Hokies Dominate the Dome: Virginia Tech Overpowers Syracuse in Statement ACC Road Win

Syracuse, N.Y. — JMA Wireless Dome

Virginia Tech arrived in Syracuse knowing the challenge ahead would demand discipline, toughness, and resilience. The JMA Wireless Dome has long been one of the most difficult environments to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and Syracuse women’s basketball has built its reputation on physical play, defensive pressure, and emotional momentum swings at home.

By the end of the night, however, it was the Hokies who controlled nearly every phase of the game.

Behind suffocating defense, relentless rebounding, and one of their most complete offensive performances of the season, Virginia Tech delivered a commanding 77–57 victory over the Syracuse Orange. The win marked Virginia Tech’s second ACC road matchup, while also serving as a breakthrough moment for head coach Megan Duffy, who entered the night winless in her career against Syracuse head coach Thalia Legette.

This time, the script flipped decisively.

A Matchup Loaded With Storylines

The night carried intrigue well before the opening tip. Two of the ACC’s most fast-paced teams were set to collide, both thriving on points off turnovers and transition opportunities. The matchup also featured a rare family storyline: Mackenzie Nelson of Virginia Tech facing her sister, Camdyn Nelson, of Syracuse for the first time in their collegiate careers.

Storylines coming into the game. Virginia Tech’s struggles from three-point range entering the contest — dead last in the ACC — and Syracuse’s reputation for forcing chaos, and the stage was set for a compelling, high-energy battle. Unfortunately for the Orange Virginia Tech shot 67% from 3pt range. Marking their second best three point performance all season.

What unfolded instead was a demonstration of control.

Physical Start, Hokies Set the Tone

From the opening possessions, Virginia Tech made its intentions clear. The Hokies attacked the glass aggressively, a strength that has placed them among the ACC’s top teams in offensive rebounding. They generated second-chance opportunities, forced Syracuse into rushed shots, and immediately dictated the physicality of the game.

The Orange struck first and briefly held a slim early advantage, but Virginia Tech responded with poise. The Hokies began to exploit Syracuse’s defensive gaps in the mid-range — an area that would prove decisive over the course of the night. Pull-up jumpers fell with confidence, cutters found space, and Virginia Tech’s ball movement created high-quality looks without relying on perimeter shooting.

Defensively, the Hokies were just as sharp. Syracuse struggled to find rhythm against Virginia Tech’s disciplined rotations, and the Orange were forced into contested attempts early in the shot clock.

Second Quarter Surge Breaks the Game Open

If the first quarter established the tone, the second quarter defined the game.

Virginia Tech delivered a defensive performance that completely stalled Syracuse’s offense. The Orange went seven full minutes without scoring, a drought fueled by active hands, interior rim protection, and pressure on every passing lane. During that stretch, Syracuse missed multiple close-range opportunities — shots they typically convert — while Virginia Tech capitalized at the other end.

Perhaps most striking was Virginia Tech’s sudden efficiency from deep. After going 0-for-16 from three-point range in their previous outing against Louisville, the Hokies opened the second quarter 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, injecting confidence into an offense that was already clicking. By the end of the night Virginia Tech shot 6-9 from deep range.

The Hokies held Syracuse to just eight points in the second quarter, one of the Orange’s lowest-scoring periods of the season. Virginia Tech built a commanding lead while controlling tempo, pace, and possession.

Although Syracuse closed the half by scoring the final six points, the damage had already been done. Virginia Tech entered halftime firmly in control, having imposed its will on both ends of the floor.

Mid-Range Mastery and Bench Impact

One of the most impressive aspects of Virginia Tech’s performance was its versatility. Knowing their three-point shooting had been inconsistent this season, the Hokies leaned heavily into their mid-range game — and Syracuse had no answer.

Virginia Tech consistently punished defensive switches with pull-up jumpers, particularly from the elbows and short corners. When Syracuse collapsed into the paint, the Hokies kicked out or slipped passes to cutters for high-percentage looks.

Everyone played a pivotal role. Carleigh Wenzel delivered a standout performance, leading the Hokies with 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range. Her ability to stretch the floor forced Syracuse to defend deeper, opening driving lanes for teammates.

Samyha Suffren provided an immediate spark as well, scoring 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting while generating fast-break opportunities off steals and defensive pressure. Her energy shifted momentum whenever Syracuse attempted to mount a run.

Virginia Tech finished with 21 bench points, outpacing Syracuse’s reserves and reinforcing the Hokies’ strong depth.

Syracuse Fights, Hokies Respond

To Syracuse’s credit, the Orange did not fold. Despite trailing by double digits for most of the game, their starters found moments of success, keeping the contest competitive in spurts. Uche Izoje battled inside for 14 points and seven rebounds, while Laila Phelia added 12 points, including two three-pointers.

Still, every Syracuse push was met with a Virginia Tech response.

The Hokies extended their lead to as many as 26 points, controlling the scoreboard throughout the fourth quarter. Memories of a previous collapse against Miami — where Virginia Tech surrendered a large lead — loomed in the background, but this time the Hokies never wavered.

Virginia Tech’s defense tightened even further down the stretch, holding Syracuse to under 30% shooting for the game. The Orange struggled to generate clean looks, finishing just 3-of-12 from three-point range and committing 15 turnovers.

Defense, Rebounding, and Control

Statistically, Virginia Tech’s dominance was evident across the board:

• 45.3% shooting from the field compared to Syracuse’s 35%
   
• 39 total rebounds, including 13 offensive boards
   
• 14 points off turnovers
   
• 32 points in the paint

37 minutes and 43 seconds of total game time spent leading

The Hokies’ ability to control possession was especially critical. While both teams thrive in fast-tempo systems, Virginia Tech dictated when to push and when to settle, neutralizing Syracuse’s transition attack.

Defensively, Virginia Tech recorded nine steals and forced difficult shot selections throughout the night. The Orange never found sustained rhythm, particularly during Virginia Tech’s lockdown second quarter.

A Tough Night for Syracuse

The loss marked a frustrating setback for Syracuse, particularly at home. The Orange showed flashes of resilience but were undone by prolonged scoring droughts and missed opportunities at the rim.

Concerns also arose late in the game when freshman Uche Izoje went down with an injury scare. While she returns to finish the game, her health will be something to monitor moving forward. Syracuse will undoubtedly benefit from having her fully healthy as conference play continues.

A Statement Win for Virginia Tech

For Virginia Tech, the victory was more than just another road win — it was a statement.

The Hokies proved they can win and showcased the team’s depth, defensive identity, and mental toughness in one of the ACC’s most hostile environments. Coach Megan Duffy secured her first career win against Thalia Legette, and her team displayed the composure of a group built for postseason contention.