In The Hole
Virginia women's basketball drops second straight ACC game, fall to 11-3 on the season (0-2 ACC).Debbie Ryan and crew needed a win. The 25th-ranked NC State Wolfpack were not willing to oblige as they gutted out a hard-earned 73-63 win. For the Wolfpack it was all about 13. On Friday the 13th, number 13 Billie McDowell stepped up for her squad with 23 points, including 5 three pointers. As a team the Wolfpack shot 10-20 from behind the arc. For Virginia it was not just the three's that hurt them. As the game wore on, the Cavalier defense wore off. After intermission where the score was deadlocked at 27, the Wolfpack opened up a 17-3 run. For the half N.C. State would shoot 57% from the floor, 6-9 from behind the arc. This hot shooting cost Virginia their second straight ACC game and puts them down in the cellar of the conference. For the Wolfpack, it's just what the doctor ordered.
"The ACC is really tough," NC State head coach Kay Yow said. "We feel fortunate to come out of here with a win."
Virginia's defensive struggles related to the boards as well, losing 43-40. The Cavaliers also struggled with 18 turnovers, even though they were able to force 23. Nevertheless, Virginia did get some solid contributions. Junior F Tiffany Sardin led the team with 16 points along with 5 steals. Siedah Williams, the only player to reach double figures against FSU matched the accomplishment with a double-double, 12 points and 10 rebounds. Brenna McGuire was the only other Cavalier to reach double digits with 10 points on some solid shooting.
The road does not get any easier for the Cavaliers. Next up, Virginia must focus on the Hokies of Virginia Tech who are ranked 21/23 in the polls and are currently 14-1, 1-1 in the ACC. The Cassell Coliseum is sure to be rocking as the Commonwealth Challenge continues. Coach Debbie Ryan and her players would love to register a big point in the overall sports challenge, but without a doubt, they don't need any more inspiration, they need a win. With the threat of going 0-3, Virginia can't afford a loss. Otherwise the hole the Cavaliers are digging will quickly turn into a grave.
posted by Gibson @ 2:52 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home