Virginia Tech Dominates Second Half to Defeat Stanford, 79–67

There was no jet lag, no slow start, and no signs of fatigue for the Virginia Tech Hokies.

The Virginia Tech Hokies came into Thursday night known as one of the toughest defensive teams in the ACC, routinely holding opponents between 59 and 63 points per game. At Maples Pavilion on February 12, they proved once again why that reputation is well earned.

Virginia Tech pulled away in the second half to defeat Stanford 79–67, using stifling defense and explosive transition offense to take control of the game

Stanford, a team that has battled turnover issues all season, showed early signs of that struggle with a giveaway on its opening possession. Still, the Cardinal responded with back-to-back three-pointers to spark the home crowd and set the tone for a competitive first half.

Carys Baker got the Hokies going with a smooth long two-pointer, and Mackenzie Nelson made her presence felt early by stepping in to take a charge. Moments later, Nelson tied the game with a strong layup, highlighting her all-around impact.

The two teams traded baskets throughout the first half. Shay Ijiwoye energized Stanford with a diving layup, while Carleigh Wenzel knocked down a big three-pointer for Virginia Tech. Layups from Nelson and Kilah Freelon kept the Hokies steady as the game seesawed back and forth.

Stanford’s roster—featuring just one transfer—has leaned heavily on player development, and it showed in stretches. The Cardinal capitalized on steals and converted easy fast-break opportunities. But Virginia Tech was just as dangerous in transition, consistently turning defensive stops into quick points.

By halftime, the game remained tight. But the third quarter changed everything.

Virginia Tech exploded for 28 points in the third, flipping the momentum entirely. The Hokies tightened up defensively, forcing Stanford into difficult possessions and adding to what would total 13 Cardinal turnovers on the night. At one point, Stanford had already committed 11 giveaways, and the Hokies made them pay.

Baker led the charge. She delivered timely baskets, including a momentum-shifting three-pointer early in the fourth quarter that gave her 24 points. Nelson continued attacking the rim, finishing with 13 points—just three shy of her career high—while adding seven assists and six rebounds.

Kilah Freelon contributed 15 points and five rebounds, and Wenzel added 13 points, including three made threes. Lara Somfai battled hard inside for Stanford, finishing with 15 points and 15 rebounds, but Virginia Tech’s interior defense and rim protection proved too much down the stretch.

The Hokies extended their lead to 12 points late in the third quarter—their largest of the night at that point—and eventually pushed it to 15 in the fourth. Virginia Tech outscored Stanford 42–25 in the second half, showcasing both their defensive discipline and offensive efficiency.

When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 79–67 in favor of Virginia Tech.

It was a complete team effort: 20 assists to just eight turnovers, 42 points in the paint, and relentless defense that wore Stanford down over 40 minutes. For a team already regarded as one of the ACC’s best defensively, Thursday night was another statement performance—this time backed by an offensive explosion when it mattered most.