Third-Quarter Surge Lifts Oregon Past Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech Hokies women's basketball team had their season end in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, falling 70–60 to the Oregon Ducks at the Moody Center in Arlington Texas.

While the final score shows a 10-point margin, the game was defined by long scoring droughts, Oregon’s dominance inside, and one decisive stretch in the third quarter that ultimately separated the two teams.

First Half: Defensive Battle and Missed Opportunities

The opening quarter set the tone for a physical, defensive game. Virginia Tech struggled to find offensive rhythm early, shooting just 4-for-18 (22.2%) in the first quarter. Oregon capitalized, building a double-digit lead behind efficient scoring in the paint.

Despite the slow start, the Hokies responded in the second quarter with one of their best stretches of the game. After going several minutes without a field goal, Mackenzie Nelson knocked down a key three-pointer to spark momentum.

Virginia Tech began attacking the mid-range more effectively, with players like Mel Daley contributing timely buckets. The Hokies briefly cut the deficit to just four points, showing composure and resilience.

However, Oregon steadied itself late in the half. The Ducks’ ability to control rebounds and generate second-chance opportunities allowed them to carry a 35–29 lead into halftime.

Third Quarter: The Decisive Run

The game turned in the third quarter, and it turned quickly.

Oregon came out of halftime with a clear emphasis on attacking the paint and pushing tempo. The Ducks went on an extended run, at one point outscoring Virginia Tech by a wide margin during a five-minute stretch.

Virginia Tech, meanwhile, fell into another scoring drought, going 1-for-12 from the field during a critical span. Shots that had fallen in the second quarter stopped dropping, and turnovers compounded the issue.

Oregon took full advantage. Their efficient interior scoring, finishing the game with 34 points in the paint helped stretch the lead to as many as 22 points, the largest of the game.

That third quarter effectively decided the outcome.

Fourth Quarter: Fight, But Too Late

To their credit, the Hokies didn’t quit.

Carys Baker took over offensively in the fourth quarter, hitting multiple three-pointers and attacking the glass. Her energy fueled a late push as Virginia Tech tried to chip away at the deficit.

The Hokies cut the lead down to 10 points in the closing seconds, but the comeback effort came too late. Oregon managed the clock, hit key free throws, and avoided any major mistakes down the stretch.

Key Performances

Virginia Tech

• Carys Baker: 21 points, 14 rebounds
  • The clear standout for the Hokies, recording a double-double and providing the spark in the fourth quarter.
• Mel Daley: 8 points on efficient shooting
  • Gave Virginia Tech valuable production during their second-quarter run.
• Mackenzie Nelson: 5 points, 6 assists
  • Facilitated the offense and hit a key three-pointer to break an early drought.

Despite these efforts, Virginia Tech shot just 31.8% from the field overall, which proved too difficult to overcome.

Oregon

• Katie Fiso: 22 points
  • Led all scorers and consistently attacked off the dribble and in transition.
• Mia Jacobs: 13 points, 5 rebounds
  • Provided spacing and knocked down perimeter shots at key moments.
• Ehis Etute: 11 points, 11 rebounds
  • Controlled the interior and anchored Oregon’s rebounding advantage.

Oregon’s balanced scoring and efficiency (48.2% shooting) were major factors in their first-round win.

The Difference: Inside Presence and Efficiency

The biggest gap between the two teams came in the paint and overall efficiency.

• Points in the paint: Oregon 34, Virginia Tech 16
• Field goal percentage: Oregon 48.2%, Virginia Tech 31.8%
• Rebounds: Oregon 44, Virginia Tech 39

Oregon’s size and physicality allowed them to dominate inside, while Virginia Tech relied more heavily on perimeter shooting and struggled with consistency.

Coaching and Game Flow

Head coach Megan Duffy and the Hokies had to navigate foul trouble early and inconsistent rotations, which disrupted flow especially during Oregon’s third-quarter surge.

Meanwhile, Oregon stayed composed, executing offensively and taking advantage of mismatches inside.

Final Takeaway

This game ultimately came down to one stretch in the third quarter where Oregon seized control and never gave it back.

Virginia Tech showed toughness, especially in the second and fourth quarters, but extended scoring droughts and difficulties finishing inside proved too much to overcome against a physical Oregon team.

Looking Ahead

Although the season ends here for the Hokies, the foundation remains strong. With key contributors gaining experience and flashes of high-level play throughout the year, there is plenty to build on.

Although the Virginia Tech season is over, one thing remains clear: this program has the foundation and talent to return. We all know that Virginia Tech will be back dancing in March next season.