Liberty University
0-2,0-0ASUN
Virginia Tech
2-0,0-0ACC
VT's 14 Triples Sink Liberty, 81-66
11/28/2020 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Host Virginia Tech knocked down 14 three-pointers during Saturday afternoon's matinee against Liberty at Cassell Coliseum, leading to the Hokies' 81-66 triumph.
The Lady Flames fall to 0-2 with back-to-back road losses to begin the season. They are also just 1-17 all-time against the Hokies despite the play of post duo Emily Lytle (14 points, 7 rebounds) and Bella Smuda (12 points, 6 rebounds) on Saturday.
Virginia Tech (2-0) recorded its second straight win over an in-state opponent for its 57th consecutive non-conference victory in Blacksburg. Aisha Sheppard, who knocked down four of her team's 14 three-pointers and dished out six of their 21 assists, paced five double-digit scorers.
Box Score Highlights
Other Liberty Individuals: Ashtyn Baker – 9 points, 2 assists, 2 steals; Makaela Kestner – 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2-3 3FG.
Other Virginia Tech Individuals: Elizabeth Kitley – 16 points, 10 rebounds; Cayla King – 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5-8 3FG; Da'Ja Green – 10 points, 5 assists; Asiah Jones – 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocked shots.
Key Team Stats: Liberty struggled shooting from three-point range (23.5 percent, 4-of-17) and the foul line (50 percent, 6-of-12). The Lady Flames scored 36 points in the paint to Virginia Tech's 22 but lost the rebounding battle for the first time in 13 games, 41-39. Liberty scored 27 bench points and is now averaging 26 points from its reserves through the first two games of the season.
Turning Point
Nenna Lindstrom's hoop during the opening minute of the second quarter trimmed Liberty's deficit to 26-21. Virginia Tech countered with an 11-2 surge, with Kitley scoring the run's final five points. Her triple at the 5:56 mark put the Hokies in front by 14 points (37-23), and the home team's lead remained in double figures the rest of the way.
Game Summary
First Quarter
• King hit three triples during a 15-2 Virginia Tech run, helping the Hokies build a 24-11 advantage with 3:00 to play in the opening stanza.
• The Lady Flames then closed out the period with eight straight points, cutting the deficit to 24-19 after 10 minutes of play.
Second Quarter
• Liberty more than doubled up Virginia Tech in points in the paint before halftime, 22-10. However, the Hokies nailed nine first-half triples. King's three-pointer closed out the first-half scoring with Virginia Tech in front, 48-33.
Third Quarter
• For the second straight game to start the season, Liberty struggled offensively during the third quarter. The Lady Flames shot just 25 percent (4-of-16) from the field, while the Hokies were busy making three more trifectas.
• Virginia Tech led by as many as 23 on its way to a 65-44 advantage at the conclusion of the period.
Fourth Quarter
• Kestner knocked down two triples during Liberty's 13-2 run, trimming the Virginia Tech advantage to a dozen (69-57) with 5:42 to play. The Lady Flames got no closer though.
Notes and Nuggets
• Lytle led the Lady Flames in scoring and rebounding for the second straight game. She made a three-pointer for the 14th straight game and hit her only free throw attempt. Lytle has now connected on a career-best 19 consecutive free throws, dating back to last season.
• Smuda became the first Liberty freshman to score in double figures during one of her first two career games since Kierra Johnson-Graham had 11 points against James Madison on Nov. 15, 2016.
• Baker's nine points on Saturday give her 805 for her career, making her the 29th Lady Flame to score 800 points.
• Mya Berkman made her first start since Jan. 8, 2019, contributing six points and four rebounds.
• Dee Brown (4 points) and Alyssa Iverson (2 points) both scored their first points with the Lady Flames on Saturday, while freshman Nyah Stallings made her collegiate debut.
• Liberty fell to 3-14 in November contests during the last three seasons.
Up Next
The Lady Flames will now prepare for their inaugural game at Liberty Arena, Tuesday at 7 p.m. versus Norfolk State. The contest will mark the first event of any kind held inside the brand-new 4,000-seat facility which is attached to the Vines Center.
Liberty and Norfolk State will be squaring off for the third straight season. The Spartans posted a 66-53 win at the Christmas City Classic, Nov. 25, 2018 in Bethlehem, Pa. Liberty then tipped off the 2019-20 season with a 67-48 triumph at Norfolk State, Nov. 5, 2019.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020
Location: Lynchburg, Va. (Liberty Arena)
TV: ESPN+
Radio: LFSN Radio (90.9 FM The Light Lynchburg)
Tipoff: 7 p.m.
