Sunday was shaping up to be a massive day in the ACC in terms of seeding for the ACC women's basketball tournament this week in Georgia. Virginia Tech was one of five teams entering the day at 11-6 and looking to be seeded anywhere from five through nine. What was guaranteed was that all of the teams sitting at 11-6 were going to avoid playing on the first day of the tournament.
Virginia Tech took its annual trip to Charlottesville to play Virginia, and they were looking for the season sweep of their in-state rivals. The Hokies jumped out to a 23-point lead, but the Cavaliers clawed their way back into the game and took the lead, 82-81, with 22 seconds left on a free throw. Virginia Tech had one last opportunity, and Carleigh Wenzel was fouled with 1.7 seconds left. She hit both free throws, and Virginia missed their game-winning shot at the buzzer to allow the Hokies escape with a one-point win and the season sweep of UVA. Here are three observations from Virginia Tech's 22nd win of the season.
Like we said...𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 ‼️‼️‼️#CommonwealthClash | @SmithfieldBrand pic.twitter.com/WNK4hSHZUU
— Virginia Tech Women's Basketball (@HokiesWBB) March 1, 2026
Balanced scoring led by Carleigh Wenzel's career-high
Once again, the Hokies placed five players in double figures, led by Wenzel's career-high 29 points, and they needed every single one of them. She had four rebounds and four assists. She hit four 3-pointers and had three steals. She drove to the basket at the end of the game and drew the foul, which led to the game-winning free throws.
Carys Baker had 16 points, knocking down four 3-pointers as well, and seven rebounds. Northwestern transfer Mel Daley had 11 points, and Texas Tech transfer Kilah Freelon had 10 points and five rebounds before fouling out. When Virginia gets balanced scoring, they are tough to defend, especially when they are hitting from behind the arc.
Mackenzie Nelson continues to be difficult to defend
Virginia Tech was on fire to begin the game from the field and led by 15 points at halftime. What helped the Cavaliers get back into the game was the zone defense them implied. It caused a lot of issues for the Hokies, and part of the reason why they had to go to it was Mackenzie Nelson.
The Hokies' point guard at one point in the first half had six rebounds and eight assists with no points. Yes, you're not reading that wrong. She finished with 10 points as the fifth player in double figures, but she was great at both ends of the floor for Virginia Tech. She continues to be a major unsung hero of this team. They are not where they are without her.
Virginia Tech gave up too many easy baskets
There were several factors as to why Virginia stormed back to take a late lead after being down 23 points. One of them was their ability to get to the basket with ease in the second half and crash the offensive boards. They were able to get the Hokies in foul trouble and live at the free-throw line. There were too many drives to the basket that led to easy layups for Virginia. Cleaning up things defensively should be a point of emphasis ahead of the conference tournament this week.