Pitt
12-19 (1-15ACC)
Virginia Tech
19-11 (9-7ACC)
Pitt Falls to Virginia Tech in ACC Tournament
3/5/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The University of Pittsburgh women's basketball team suffered a 51-45 defeat to Virginia Tech on Thursday night in the second round of the ACC Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum.
The Panthers (19-11) received a double-double from Stasha Careyas the freshman went for 13 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, but the Panthers were hindered by going just 10-of-24 at the free throw line.
Virginia Tech (12-19) posted its second straight upset victory, led by Vanessa Panousis who had 20 points and Sidney Cook who went for 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Panthers' defense was stout early as Pitt held Virginia Tech to just 1-of-11 to start the game and built a 10-3 lead on a baseline jumper from Carey at the 11:43 mark.
Hannah Young, Virginia Tech's hero from the night before, kept the Hokies close by scoring seven of the team's first nine points, but Pitt continued to lead and had a 14-11 advantage at the under-8 media timeout.
Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the half, but Virginia Tech took its first lead of the game with 35 seconds remaining on a layup from Cook. Cora McManus then tied the game at 17-17 with a turnaround jumper in the lane, but VT scored at the buzzer and took a 19-17 lead into the locker room.
Despite holding VT to 32 percent shooting, Pitt shot just 25 percent in the half (7-of-28). Carey had a team-high seven points at the break.
The Hokies opened the second half on a 7-1 run, sparked by Panousis who hit two quick 3-pointers, which gave VT a 27-18 lead and forced a Pitt timeout with 18:13 remaining in the contest.
From that point though, the Panthers outscored the Hokies 13-4 over the next seven minutes and a jumper from Cassidy Walsh tied the game at 31-31 and forced Virginia Tech into a timeout.
Virginia Tech responded with a 7-0 run and surged ahead 38-31 and would hold onto that lead for the final 8:38 of the game.
Aysia Bugg got the Panthers within two at 43-41, but VT responded on the other end with a timely bucket with 2:58 to go. The Panthers would get within two once again (47-45) with 39 ticks remaining, but VT made two free throws and the Panthers turned the ball over on their next possession which ended any chance for a comeback.
The Panthers now wait for their NCAA Tournament fate which will be announced on Monday, March 16. Pitt finished seventh in the ACC and entering tonight's contest had an RPI of 33 and a SOS of 14.
