Hokies Hunt the Undefeated Wolfpack
They say that revenge is a dish best served cold: Virginia Tech (8-7, 3-7) proved that Thursday afternoon.
The Hokies followed up a heart breaking, two-point loss to #2 NC State (11-1, 6-1) earlier in the week with their most impressive performance of the year, defeating the previously undefeated Wolfpack in overtime, 83-71.
This outcome marked the program’s highest-ranked victory since its inception 45 years ago.
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A desperation heave at the end of regulation by NC State’s Camille Hobby (19 points, 9 rebounds) momentarily stopped the hearts of Tech fans but was not enough to hold off the sharpshooting of the hometown Hokies.
Aisha Sheppard led the way with 28 points (one off of a season high), four rebounds and four assists while Elizabeth Kitley recorded another double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Azana Baines and Cayla King joined the usual stars in scoring 10+ points, contributing much-needed firepower in a battle of high scoring offenses.
Despite losing seven of their last eight games, the Hokies have only suffered an average margin of -4.57 points in defeat, with every loss coming by 10 points or less. Finally, they found their clutch gene and outscored the Wolfpack 26-14 in the extra period.
Sheppard in particular shone down the stretch, knocking down huge buckets and commanding the court on both ends. The program’s all-time leader in three-pointers used her experience to navigate her way past a hellacious NC State defense that has suffocated opponents for most of the season.
With a couple of extra buckets over the past month, the Hokies could be fighting for the top spot in the conference. Perhaps this close win will power them on to close out games they failed to earlier in the season.
Up next for the Hokies is a date with UNC, whom coach Kenny Brooks’ squad managed to defeat 66-54 two weeks ago.
This one belongs in the history books.
