#1 Virginia Tech Moves On, Defeats #9 Miami 55-47 in ACC Tourney (3-8-24)

By: Joey Raymond

All Photo Credit: Arturo Jones-LMS Network

Greensboro, NC —The question on everyone’s mind has finally been answered, Liz Kitley will not be playing in this matchup versus Miami. Kitley got injured in the Hokies last regular season game against the University of Virginia, going down with an apparent knee injury in the third quarter. This means that the dynamics of this game are going to be drastically different than when these two teams met last, where the Hokies dominated the Hurricanes 76-52. For the Hurricanes, they’ll need to continue what they’ve done previously in this tournament, and not try to press or be something they’re not. The Hokies need some of the bench players to relieve the pressure off of Georgia Amoore. When push comes to shove, if the Hokies bench can step up, they should win. However if Miami can keep them in check, we may see an epic upset.

First Quarter Recap:

Both Miami and Virginia Tech come out swinging early in this game. The two teams would go lightning fast up and down the court scoring quickly on both sides. After about three minutes the game would slow down and defense on both sides would kick in. There would be a lot of back and forth in this first quarter, with 7 total lead changes occurring. Most impressively, Miami’s defense would hold Georgia Amoore in check, holding her to two points all period. What they would account for was the two Virginia Tech freshmen, Clara Strack and Carly Wenzel stepping up huge early. The dynamic duo would run the floor for the majority of the period. The period would end with Miami trailing 16-10.

Second Period Recap:

​With Miami continuing to try to push the pace, they start battling their way back early in the second period. Miami would fight their way back and eventually get within two. You can definitely see some pressing from Georgia Amoore who would pick up her second foul in the period with about 5 minutes left to go. Head coach Kenny Brooks would sit her on the bench and they’d be without both of their All-Americans for all of the second period. Thankfully for the Hokies, they seemingly wouldn’t need them. They’d finish the period with a 25-20 lead. Miami’s leading scorer would be Jasmyne Roberts with 8 points and would truly be the biggest reason that the Hurricanes are as close as they are. On the other side, Calra Strack would also have 8 points and would practically be willing the Hokies in the first half.

Third Period Recap:

​The first basket in this period would come after 2 minutes and 30 seconds in. Georgia Amoore would secure the basket for the Hokies, and that would open up the scoring for both sides. After Amoore’s basket, Miami would go on a 6-0 run. That would bring the score to 27-26. Overall, both sides would be struggling exponentially shooting the basketball. Miami would only shoot 35% from the field, while Virginia Tech would shoot 29% from the field. Georgia Amoore would finally start to find the basket late in the quarter though, bringing her point total to 12. The last two of her points would come off a third-quarter buzzer-beater, giving the Hokies a 36-33 lead. Jasmyne Roberts would be just as good for Miami, also finishing the period with 12 points as we head into the final period.

Fourth Quarter Recap:

​Miami would open the scoring in the fourth period with a quick two-off of transition. Amoore and the Hokies would respond with a quick three and the fourth period started with high energy from both sides. The score would work its way to 39-36 before both sides would immediately cool off. With 4:34 left to go, we’d have no baskets made from either team for 3 minutes. Clara Strack would break that streak, scoring 2 points for the Hokies with 4 minutes left to go. After that basket, the Hokies would start to come alive. They’d go on a 6-0 run and stretch their lead to 45-37, the largest lead of the game for the Hokies. Miami would try to fight back, hitting a big three and continuing to stand tall against the Hokies. Unfortunately for Miami, Georgia Amoore would catch fire in the fourth quarter. She’d score 27 total points, most of which would be in the final quarter. Thanks to her performance, along with help from Clara Strack the Hokies would beat the Hurricanes 55-47.