Virginia Tech able to take advantage of matchups Thursday night to earn third ACC win

Hokies stick to game plan to end skid

January 26, 2018

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team earned its third conference win Thursday night, a 68-62 victory over Georgia Tech on a night the team debuted a new orange alternate uniform.

Head coach Kenny Brooks reflected on the result postgame.

“It was a hard fought win because Georgia Tech … they’re a physical basketball team, and they just pound you and come after you in waves," he siad. "We did a good job, stuck to the game plan. The kids played really hard. I’m very happy for them.”

The win snapped a three-game losing skid for the Hokies and keeps them in the hunt for a top-half finish in the league ahead of a matchup with Miami (14-7, 4-4) on Sunday afternoon.

Regan Magarity’s 10^th double-double of the season places her tied atop the league’s charts

Another solid performance from redshirt junior Regan Magarity keyed the Hokies on Thursday, as she recorded another double-double — her 10^th this season.

“Regan did a fantastic job playing the point tonight,” Brooks said. “I think she is embracing that role. It’s kind of a hard guard. It kind of throws other teams off a little bit when she brings the ball down the floor, and she’s making really good decisions. Her versatility gives us an element that we need, as we try to put the best players out on the floor, and as a result, we were able to come through some of the tough situations and get a really good win.”

Magarity also crept closer to the 1,000-point plateau. She stands at 988 for her career.

Taylor Emery continues to find ways to score, to the tune of 23 against the Jackets

Junior guard Taylor Emery has led the Hokies in scoring since she stepped on Carilion Clinic Court for the first time in November. One of a handful of players competing in Power 5 conferences to shoot .500 from the field, .400 from 3-point range and .800 at the free-throw line, Emery has shown that she is a difference maker in her first season in Blacksburg.

“Taylor has proven that she’s one of the better players in our league, and she’s a hard guard,” Brooks commented.

Against the Jackets, Emery scored in a variety of ways, shooting 8 of 15 from the field. She knocked in a couple of 3-point baskets, as well as used her mid-range game and attacked the basket. Emery converted five free throws on the night, scoring 20-plus for the 10^th time this season.

In her past five games, Emery is averaging 22 points per game.

Kendyl Brooks, Aisha Sheppard added scoring punch from perimeter

Sheppard’s triples to start the fourth quarter gave the Hokies the lead for good, and Brooks chipped in with two 3’s in the first half, as she got back into a rhythm after being held scoreless in limited minutes against Virginia.

“We needed some points from Aisha Sheppard, [and] we got them. We need some points from Kendyl, and we got them,” Kenny Brooks said. “When we’re getting points from our periphery, the kids on the outside, we’re good because that opens up things.”

Sheppard turned in perhaps her most complete performance of the season, scoring 11 points, while recording four rebounds, and two steals and blocks apiece. The freshman committed zero turnovers in her 19 minutes on the floor.

Up next: The Hokies remain at home for a matchup with the Miami Hurricanes on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.

The first 300 season ticket holders will receive a free Virginia Tech tumbler. Fans can purchase the Coca-Cola Family 4Pack, which include four tickets, four hotdogs and four sodas for the game. Youth league basketball teams are invited to attend the game for free, with prior registration. To register your team, email jcw85@vt.edu.

Women's basketball team student-athletes will sign autographs on the concourse after a cooling-off period.

For updates on Virginia Tech women's basketball, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @HokiesWBB