What did Kenny Brooks & others say after Virginia Tech’s loss to Iowa?

Thursday night, the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team suffered their first 2023-24 season loss, 80-76, in an early-season Top 10 showdown against No. 3 Iowa in Charlotte. The No. 8 Hokies were the latest victims of Hawkeyes stellar guard Caitlin Clark who poured in 44 of her team’s 80 points.

Following the game, Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks and others spoke about the battle between two teams who made the Final Four in last season’s NCAA Tournament, and here is what they had to say, along with some breakdown of the comments.

Brooks spoke about Clark getting fouled and putting the Hokies in foul trouble all night long.

"“She got fouled like 16 times, so obviously that puts us in a situation where it is hard. We were in foul trouble from the start. It really threw us off in our game plan and we got stagnant a little bit.”"

Simply put, if there is one thing that could hurt Virginia Tech this season, it’s their lack of depth on the roster after their five starters. Once ACC play begins, that could become a huge factor against teams that will have more depth than the Hokies.

Virginia Tech guard and sharpshooter Georgia Amoore spoke about Clark’s talent.

"“She’s literally been gifted by every God you can imagine. She’s insane… She’s a generational talent.”"

You have to agree with Amoore, she is a generational talent. Her ability to shoot the ball with very little to no space between her and a defender is something else. Her ability to pull up and drain a three-pointer from 28-30 feet away from the basketball is something to see as well.

Clark returned the accolades to Amoore and how they traded 3-pointers in the final quarter.

"“In the fourth, it got exciting. We were trading 3’s and it felt like that’s what both teams are about is really great offense… Georgia is one of the best guards in the country. I think that’s pretty obvious.”"

Brooks gave an honest opinion about Clark and trying to guard her.

"“Sometimes you’re playing checkers and she’s playing chess.”"

There really is nothing else to say, Kenny Brooks summed it up best.

Clark spoke about shooting 17 free throws and her mind set with the officials calling the game tight on both ends of the floor.

"“They decided to call the game really close on both ends of the floor, so why not drive and make the ref call the foul?”"

Scorers know what it takes to get to the free throw line and are aware of how the officials are calling the game. Clark certainly did that and got Virginia Tech into foul trouble, which was something they were not able to overcome.

It’s November and the Hokies have a lot to work on, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see these two teams matchup in March, and what a rematch that would be. We expect Kenny Brooks to make adjustments.