After surviving a pesky 10th-seeded Georgia Tech team, 62-54, in the second round of the ACC Tournament on Thursday night, the sixth-seeded Virginia Tech women's basketball team had a tough task with third-seeded North Carolina.
Looking to get some revenge for an overtime loss at home last month at Cassell Coliseum, the Hokies dug themselves a 13-point halftime deficit, and they were not able to dig themselves out of it in a loss in the quarterfinals. Virginia Tech fell to 23-9 and now will await its NCAA Tournament seeding in nine days. UNC will play Louisville in the semifinals on Saturday.
UNC frustrates Virginia Tech at both ends of the floor
Virginia Tech didn't help themselves by shooting just 2-for-18 from behind the 3-point line, but they did get some easy baskets beating the Tar Heels down the floor. However, when the Tar Heels' defense was able to set up UNC caused problems for the Hokies, which struggled to get good looks. Everything they got, they had to work extremely hard for.
While down the other end, North Carolina made some tough shots, and every time the Hokies tried to make a run, UNC had an answer. Carys Baker struggled from the field with three points on 1-for-8 shooting with eight rebounds. Once again, Carleigh Wenzel led Virginia Tech with 26 points, and Mackenzie Nelson had nine points and six assists. Texas Tech transfer Kilah Freelon had even points and six rebounds.
The Hokies shot 35% from the field, 23-for-66, while the Tar Heels shot 52% from the field afn 41% from behind the arc.
What's next for Virginia Tech?
The Hokies will head home and await their assignment for the NCAA Tournament in two weeks. After missing the 68-team field last year, Virginia Tech is a lock to return in Year 2 under Megan Duffy.