The month of December was one that saw the Virginia Tech women's basketball team pick up some big wins, while also suffering a tough loss to Duke to open ACC play. That's where we'll begin this edition of Virginia Tech Women's Basketball News.
Virginia Tech gains ACC split to open conference schedule
Unlike the men, the women opened ACC play in early December with Megan Duffy's team earning a split. They opened the ACC slate with a 70-54 loss at home to Duke, then right before Christmas, they went down to Florida State and rolled to a 79-54 win over the Seminoles, who were buried with injuries.
Virginia Tech has nothing but conference games left, beginning with Miami on Thursday night at home. They picked up a big win over Florida at home in early December as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. That is a win that could be a big one come time for the NCAA Tournament selection in March.
Mackenzie Nelson turning into star
One of the biggest surprises this season has been the play of point guard Mackenzie Nelson. She has been outstanding in handling the ball and distributing it. It has allowed Carleigh Wenzel to play off the ball, which has helped the offense.
Nelson entered the Christmas Break first in the ACC in assists-to-turnover ratio, assists, and assists per game. She is sixth in the country in assists-to-turnover ratio, 10th in assists, and 14th in assists per game. Nelson is fun to watch each night.
NCAA Tournament work to be done
Last year, the Hokies were the first team left out of the NCAA Tournament field, and this year, they are going to have to pick up some big ACC wins to boost their résumé. The good news is that, like the men, the women are loaded with teams that would be big wins and help their résumés. In ESPN's latest women's NCAA Tournament Bracketology, the Hokies are in the "Next Four Out.''