Women’s Basketball DOMINATE #19 Hokies, 76-27

There are beatdowns, and then there’s what happened at JPJ on Thursday night between #19 Virginia Tech and the Hoos. Virginia started the game on a 9-0 run and never looked back as they connected on 52.1% of their shots from the field, including 36.4% from three and over 90% from the free throw line.

Tech, on the other hand, had a looooong night as they shot just 18.8% from the field and a paltry 2-for-29 (6.8%) from three. Virginia Tech’s biggest point total in a quarter was the 11 points they put up in the first quarter. The lowest? The Hoos gave up just two points - yes, two - in the third quarter.

Virginia led 41-16 at the half, giving up just 11 points in the second half. ELEVEN.

Virginia had three players in double digits as Jocelyn Willoughby (18 points), Breyana Mason (17), and Dominque Toussaint (11) all lit up the scoreboard. Mason and Aliyah Huland El each had six rebounds to lead the Hoos. Virginia assisted 14 of their 27 made baskets, and came up with 10 steals and five blocks in the game.

While the win alone is awesome, it also gives Virginia a half-point in the Commonwealth Clash. Virginia now leads by the slimmest of margins, up 5-4.5.

Has the gauntlet been laid down for Tony Bennett and Co.?

Virginia will have a chance at back to back upsets as they head to #8 Notre Dame on Sunday at noon. The game will be televised by ESPNU.