Virginia Drops Commonwealth Challenge Game to Virginia Tech, 65-54
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Feb. 2, 2006
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia dropped its fourth consecutive ACC home game with a 65-54 loss to intra-state rival Virginia Tech on Thursday at University Hall.
The Cavaliers fell to 13-7 overall and 2-6 in ACC play, while the Hokies improved to 15-5 overall and 2-5 in the conference. With the win, Tech earned a point in the Commonwealth Challenge. However, the Cavaliers continue to lead in the all-sports contest, 9-4.
In the first half, the Hokies jumped out by seven, 11-4, but UVa battled back to come within one on four occasions. Tech held a three-point advantage at halftime, 26-23.
“I thought we started out with good intensity,” Virginia head coach Debbie Ryan said. “We got great shots tonight, and they just didn’t go down. Then that effected us defensively.”
In the second half, Tech opened with a 4-0 run go ahead by seven, 30-23. The Hokies built upon their lead, going up by 10 points, 52-42 with 2:17 to go. The Hoos came within six, 52-46 with 1:46 on the clock, but that’s as close as they would get.
“Unfortunately, it’s the sign of a young, inexperienced team,” Ryan added. “Tech did a good job of not letting us get closer.”
Sophomore Sharneé Zoll (Marlboro, N.J.) was the only Virginia player in double digits with a season-high 17 points. Junior Siedah Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds.
“We weren’t focused,” Zoll said. “We were trying to do things too quickly. It wasn’t a lack of effort. We were just forcing it.”
With leading scorer Kerri Gardin and starter Kirby Copeland not available for the game, seniors Carrie Mason and Dawn Chriss stepped up to the challenge, combining to score 41 points. Mason led the Hokies with 24 points, including four three-pointers, while Chriss added 17 points.
“That’s why we play the game. You have to come out and play the game,” said Tech head coach Beth Dunkenberger. “Anybody can beat anybody. You have to make sure to put it all out on the floor, and that’s what we did tonight.”
Overall, Virginia Tech out-rebounded Virginia, 34-33.
“We’re mired in a slump right now,” Ryan said. “We can’t stop digging.”
Virginia travels to No. 6 Maryland on Sunday, Feb. 5 for a Noon contest at the Comcast Center.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
1 2 - FinalVirginia Tech (15-5, 2-5) 26 39 - 65Virginia (13-7, 2-6) 23 31 - 54
Scores of other ACC games tonight:
#1 North Carolina 75, #24 NC State 58Florida State 59, Georgia Tech 54#23 Boston College 77, Wake Forest 63