By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).
Baylor Bear Insider
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite the fact that it is one of many most-lopsided losses within the historical past of Virginia Tech basketball, eighth-year head coach Kenny Brooks calls the 90-48 loss to Baylor in an NCAA Event second-round recreation three years in the past a “signature recreation for us.”
In a full-circle second, fourth-seeded Virginia Tech (25-7) will host fifth-seeded Baylor (25-7) at 7 p.m. CT Sunday at Cassell Coliseum, the place the Hokies have gained a program-record 26-consecutive video games.
“They’d so many veterans who went to the WNBA, and you might simply inform it was a special confidence stage,” stated Brooks, who led the Hokies to their first-ever Remaining 4 final 12 months. “Most likely one of many longest video games that I’ve ever been related to, however it was a vital recreation as a result of our youngsters remembered that recreation.
“Clearly, it is a completely totally different group, however our youngsters remembered that. However what we took from that was, okay, if you wish to be that stage, you have to have faith like that. And we knew how onerous we wanted to play and compete to get to that stage.”
Whereas the Hokies return three of 5 starters from that recreation, together with 6-6 All-American middle Elizabeth Kitley, Baylor’s solely holdover from that recreation is 5-6 senior guard Sarah Andrews (11.1 ppg, 3.9 assists). However Kitley (22.4 ppg, 11.4 rebounds) is out with a knee harm that has compelled her to overlook the final three video games.
Andrews, who hit a 3-pointer in taking part in simply 4 minutes in that second-round recreation on March 23, 2021, stated she does not actually keep in mind something “from my freshman 12 months.”
“I believe we gained, however they are a totally different group and we’re a special group, so we have each received to come back on the market and play,” stated Andrews, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 factors with 5 assists within the Bears’ 80-63 opening-round win over 12th-seeded Vanderbilt on Friday.
Virginia Tech, which is 2-1 since shedding Kitley to an ACL harm within the March 3 regular-season finale at Virginia, had no issues with out the three-time ACC Participant of the Yr in a 92-49 blowout of 13th-seeded Marshall in Friday’s opening spherical. Making her first begin in filling in for Kitley, 6-5 freshman Clara Stack (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rebounds) was 7-for-7 from the sphere and completed with 17 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Baylor beat Texas, 85-79, on the highway on Dec. 30 within the Longhorns’ second recreation after shedding Large 12 Preseason Participant of the Yr Rori Hammond to an analogous harm.
“Enjoying in opposition to Texas after they misplaced Rori, there’s type of that transition interval of determining how totally different or how related do you plug somebody in and play the identical approach. Do you play a bit bit otherwise?” third-year Baylor head coach Nicki Collen stated.
“So, I really feel like (Virginia Tech was) type of in that section within the ACC Event, of figuring it out a bit bit. However clearly, I believed (Friday) they had been extremely poised in opposition to the press, received good pictures made good pictures.”
Very like Texas did when Madison Booker took on an even bigger position with out Hammond, the Hokies need to lean extra on 5-6 senior level guard Georgia Amoore (18.8 ppg, 6.8 assists). A two-time first-team All-ACC choose and MVP of final 12 months’s ACC Event and Seattle 3 Regional, Amoore scored 39 factors within the loss to Virginia.
In a strength-on-strength matchup, a Baylor protection that ranks seventh nationally in 3-point taking pictures share allowed (25.9) goes in opposition to a Virginia Tech group that shoots 35% from exterior the arc and averages 9 made 3-pointers per recreation.
“Clearly, a group that’s actually, actually good from the 3-point line,” Collen stated. “And I believe they will nonetheless play into the paint. And it is discovering that steadiness for Georgia and getting their shooters pictures, as a result of it is clearly a energy. . . . They know their roles, and after they get their toes set, they’re actually, actually good. So, we have got to do a very good job of taking away and contesting 3-pointers.”
Sophomore ahead Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who’s averaging 10.5 factors and seven.1 rebounds per recreation, stated Collen and the remainder of the Baylor coaches “actually emphasize simply being there on the catch and noticing, being conscious of our shooters.”
“If we all know we’re taking part in a group stuffed with shooters,” she stated, “we have now to be much more conscious. Simply being aggressive and staying alert of the place these shooters are on the courtroom.”
Andrews stated the Bears are “athletic sufficient to shut out and get again in entrance after they attempt to blow previous us.”
“Simply being there on the catch and making them attempt to blow previous us downhill,” she stated.
After a tough patch that noticed the Bears drop six of 10 after a 14-0 begin, Baylor has gained seven of its final eight and located its groove within the opening-round win over Vanderbilt. Sophomore Bella Fontleroy led the best way along with her third double-double of the season, hitting 4 3-pointers and ending with recreation highs of 19 factors and 11 boards.
“I believe this can be a group that you simply noticed begin out going (14-0),” Andrews stated. “I see the firepower in our eyes. We’re 1-0 proper now. We all know the subsequent recreation will not be assured. So, we will not take any performs off. That one play you’re taking off could possibly be the play that prices you the sport. Not everyone has an opportunity to be on this match. So, we’re simply able to play.”
An apparent problem for the Bears is taking part in on the Hokies’ house courtroom on the 10,052-seat Cassell Coliseum. They’d nearly 9,000 for the opening-round win over Marshall.
“I really feel like we’re not simply taking part in in opposition to 5 gamers (Sunday), we’re taking part in in opposition to 10,005,” Collen stated, “as a result of I believe the power on this constructing will likely be insane. I believe the individuals right here will take it very, very personally to assist this group and be type of a sixth man due to what Kitley has meant to this program.
“We simply need to play our greatest basketball and keep poised and deal with their runs. And I am in all probability going to have to make use of my timeouts when obligatory, so this constructing does not get so loopy. However I believe they are a actually, actually good group (with or with out Kitley) and confirmed that yesterday.”
Baylor is attempting to achieve its 15th Candy 16 in program historical past and first since that 2021 season, when the Bears misplaced to UConn within the Elite Eight. Virginia Tech has made simply two earlier journeys to the Candy 16 – in 1999 and 2023 – and made its solely Remaining 4 look final 12 months.
Sunday’s recreation will likely be an ESPN broadcast, with Jay Alter and Kelly Gramlich calling the motion. The winner advances to the area semifinals in Portland, Ore., and can face the winner of a Monday recreation between top-seeded USC (27-5) and No. 8 seed Kansas (20-12).