Hokies Gut Out 68–64 Win Over Florida Behind Baker’s Double-Double and Freshman Spark

Blacksburg, Va. — In a physical, back-and-forth battle at Cassell Coliseum, the Virginia Tech Hokies remained undefeated at home and pushed their record to 7–2 with a gritty 68–64 win over the Florida Gators in the ACC/SEC Women’s Basketball Challenge.

The matchup featured long scoring swings, heavy defensive pressure, and a standout performance from sophomore forward Carys Baker, who delivered a season-high 23 points and 10 rebounds while shooting an efficient 10–16 from the field.

 A Game of Runs and Resolve

Virginia Tech jumped out to a quick 10–2 lead before Florida answered with a 17–9 run to close the first quarter. The teams traded punches throughout the half, with the Gators taking their largest lead of the night—five points—before the Hokies closed the gap and entered the break tied at 34–34.

The second half followed the same pattern: physical drives, contested jumpers, and momentum that never stayed with one team for long. But down the stretch, Virginia Tech finally found enough composure, defensive discipline, and timely buckets to close the door.

“We’ve been working on late-game situations all year,” point guard Mackenzie Nelson said. “We made mistakes in the BYU game and at JMU, but tonight we executed.”

Nelson, who finished with 8 points, 3 assists, and the crucial final free throw, helped stabilize Tech’s offense during the final possessions

Baker Dominates in the Paint

Baker was the anchor all night long. Florida entered as one of the SEC’s most physical rebounding teams, but Baker outworked the interior, attacked the glass, and hit tough mid-range looks every time Tech needed a lift.

“I just tried to do anything I could to help us win,” Baker said. “Rebounding was an emphasis all week. Our point guards got me the ball in the right spots, and things were clicking.”

Her fourth straight double-digit scoring performance continues to cement her as one of Tech’s most versatile offensive weapons.

Freshmen Step Up: Trent Shines in Career Performance

With starting forward Kilah Freelon limited by early foul trouble, head coach Megan Duffy turned to her young bench—and they delivered.

True freshman Aniya Trent played her best collegiate game to date, finishing with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and tough interior defense in 16 crucial minutes.

“She's just a worker,” Baker said. “I was so proud of her. She helped us win that game.”

Duffy echoed the praise.

“For a freshman to step into a game this physical and this big and perform like that—it was tremendous,” she said. “Her confidence is growing every day.”

First-year students forward Amani Jenkins also provided important defensive minutes, absorbing contact and helping stabilize the paint rotation.

Daley’s Steady Presence, Wenzel's Playmaking

Junior wing Mel Daley added 12 points and knocked down all four of her free-throw attempts, continuing her strong start to the season with her fourth double-digit game.

Meanwhile, despite a tough shooting night (2–12 FG), guard Carleigh Wenzel still impacted the game with 6 assists and timely floor leadership.

“Carleigh a willing passer,” Baker said. “Shots were not falling, but she kept creating. We need her to stay aggressive” Nelson Said.

Defense Wins It Late

Stopping Florida star and All-SEC guard Liv McGill (23) was a central part of Tech’s game plan. McGill finished with a game-high 30 points, but none of them came easily.

“It was a one-through-five effort,” Baker said. “We were gapping, switching, contesting everything. She is going to make tough shots—but we made them as tough as possible.”

Tech forced 22 Florida turnovers, including 10 from Liv, which became the difference in a game where every possession mattered.

“That’s what won it,” Duffy said. “Defense and rebounding.”

Complete Team Statistics — Virginia Tech

Starters

• Carys Baker (#10): 37 MIN | 23 PTS | 10–16 FG | 2–6 3PT | 10 REB
• Kilah Freelon (#0): 10 MIN | 4 PTS | 2–2 FG | 3 REB
• Mackenzie Nelson (3): 31 MIN | 8 PTS | 6 AST
• Mel Daley (#21): 33 MIN | 12 PTS | 4–14 FG | 4–4 FT
• Carleigh Wenzel (#1): 32 MIN | 8 PTS | 6 AST | 5 REB

Bench Highlights

• Aniya Trent (30): 16 MIN | 7 PTS | 5 REB
• Amani Jenkins (24): 12 MIN | 2 PTS | 3 REB
• Samyha Suffren (#12) : 15 MIN | 4 PTS | 2–4 FG

Team Totals:
 68 PTS | 27–67 FG (40%) | 3–15 3PT (20%) | 11–15 FT (73%)
 39 REB | 16 AST | 16 TO | 12 Offensive REB

Looking Ahead: ACC Play Begins

The win gives Virginia Tech momentum heading into its first ACC matchup of the season this Sunday against Duke, a program known for its pressure defense and athletic backcourt.

“This was the perfect game to prepare us,” Nelson said. “Florida plays physical and pressures the ball. Duke is similar. We will enjoy this one tonight, but tomorrow we reset.”

Duffy praised the home crowd—Cassell Coliseum was loud, energetic, and, at times, disruptive.

“Hokie Nation was incredible,” she said. “They were loud, they brought the energy, and they helped us in the fourth quarter. We will need that again on Sunday.”

FINAL: Virginia Tech 68, Florida 64

Hokies move to 7–2 and stay unbeaten at home.