The Queens of the Cassell have once again shown their mettle by defending their home court and stringing together a remarkable three-game winning streak. While Virginia Tech emerged victorious, it wasn't an easy feat. Tech and Rutgers engaged in a neck-and-neck battle throughout the first three quarters, with the Hokies only managing to pull away in the final four minutes with a more than four-point lead. The first half was a sloppy affair for both teams, with Tech committing four turnovers and Rutgers six in just the first quarter.

Offensive Disparities

Megan Duffy's squad has been aggressive in the paint, ranking 12th nationally for two-point field goals made per game. This is in stark contrast to Kenny Brooks' team, which relied heavily on Georgia Amoore's shots beyond the arc. However, on this night, the layups weren't falling as easily as expected. Rose Micheaux went 8-for-20 in field goal attempts, and Carleigh Wenzel, who currently leads the Hokies in points, had a less than stellar performance, going 4-for-17. Tech's inability to convert easy points around the rim kept the score close throughout the first three quarters.The Scarlet Knights, who had enjoyed a home-court advantage for their first four games, traveled for the first time this season. This travel took a toll on them as they accumulated seven travel violations, four of which came in the first half. These violations cost them many scoring opportunities, especially in the final minutes of the game.

Key Moments in the Game

With five minutes left in the game, Wenzel sank a crucial three-pointer that regained a two-point lead for Tech. The Scarlet Knights were poised to respond and keep the game close, but a travel by Kiyomi McMiller derailed their plans. Then, with 4:30 minutes left, Matilda Ekh stretched Tech's lead to four. Rutgers had possession, but a travel by Destiny Adams once again cut their opportunity to respond. The Scarlet Knights were unable to regain the lead for the rest of the game.On a more positive note, Samyha Suffren, who wasn't in the starting lineup, made a significant impact once she entered the game. She posted a career-high 16 points, her second double-figure scoring game. The Charlotte native was laser-focused throughout the night, demonstrating excellent defensive coverage and the ability to find breakaway chances. She scored off three breakaway plays, and her energy and focus were crucial in helping the Hokies secure the win.Although the Hokies started the game sloppily, it was no surprise that it was a close game. After a disappointing 8-24 record in the 2023-24 campaign, the Scarlet Knights have undergone a transformation, largely due to Destiny Adams. The former Tar Heel leads the country in scoring average, double-doubles, and free throws. Since transferring to Rutgers last season, Adams has become a breakout star, earning Big 10 Player of the Week honors on Nov. 11 and setting a program record with a historic double-double over NJIT.The Scarlet Knights will look to bounce back on Sunday when they face the Princeton Tigers. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, expects to continue their winning streak as they take on Elon University at Cassell on Saturday.