The Associated Press

Elizabeth Kitley tied her personal best with 34 points as No. 12 Virginia Tech extended its winning streak to eight games by defeating Duke 61-56 on Thursday evening in Blacksburg, Virginia.

During a game two years ago, Kitley scored 34 points twice. In the recent game for the Hokies (21-4, 12-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), she made 13 out of 17 field goal attempts and 8 out of 9 free throws. This helped the team secure their 24th consecutive win at home. Additionally, Kitley also grabbed 12 rebounds, achieving her fifth back-to-back double-double and her 18th for the season.

In the final quarter, Kitley contributed 11 points and grabbed five rebounds, helping Virginia Tech break away from a tied score of 42.

Georgia Amoore scored 13 points for Virginia Tech, but she only made 4 out of 21 shots. She missed seven of her first eight attempts from beyond the arc, but she successfully made one with 20 seconds remaining, giving the Hokies a 59-53 advantage. Matilda Ekh also contributed to the team’s score with 11 points, shooting 4-for-5 and making two 3-pointers.

Ashlon Jackson was the top scorer with 18 points, including three 3-pointers, for the Blue Devils (16-8, 8-5). Their three-game winning streak came to an end. Reigan Richardson and substitute Oluchi Okananwa each contributed 11 points.

In the opening quarter, Kitley scored 10 points, giving Virginia Tech a slight advantage of 15-14. Amoore then made a 3-point shot, followed by jumpers from Kitley and Ekh, leading to Virginia Tech scoring the last seven points of the half to take a 30-27 lead. Duke was unable to score in the final 2:26 of the half.

“The Hokies’ most recent defeat was at the hands of Duke, with a final score of 63-47 in December. Their previous loss at home was against then-No. 5 Notre Dame in December of 2022, with a score of 63-52. In their current winning streak of eight games, the Hokies have triumphed over four ranked opponents.”

On Sunday, Virginia Tech will be on the road to play against No. 18 Louisville. Meanwhile, Duke will be back at home on Monday to take on No. 16 Notre Dame, the second game in a row against a ranked team out of four.

Source: wralsportsfan.com