Game 26: Virginia Tech

Back playing on Monday night, but instead of being on ESPN2 we are on Comcast SportsNet while Duke and UNC battle it out on the deuce. Today's game should again be a great way for us to improve our depth. Although, judging from some of the comments people still aren't satisfied with the rotations. I do agree that Drey, Kat, Ashleigh and Jade (in no particular order) need to rotate in when the game is close. VT should be blown out of the water, so there is no reason for us to not work on getting everyone involved. (I stand corrected, as the VT website is hyping this game as if it's a top 25 match up)

Virginia Tech is 13-9 on the season and 0-7 in the ACC. Their only win in the last 8 games is over Dartmouth. The Hokies closest ACC game was a four-point loss to FSU.

VT averages 70 ppg while allowing 65.1 ppg. They outrebound opponents 39.2-37.0 VT shoots 42.8% from the floor, but 29.3% from three, while opponents shoot 40.9% and 31.8%, respectively. VT has only made 75 threes all year, meanwhile Marah and Kristi have made 101 in fewer attempts.

VT is led by 6'0 guard Brittany Cook. She averages 17.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg. She likes to take the ball inside the arc as more than thirds of her shots are from inside. She will play aggressive defense and can block shots. Second on the team in scoring is freshman Andrea Barbour at 15.9 points per game. She is like cook, except doesn't rebound as well. Next is Utahya Drye, a 6'1 forward, who leads the team in rebounding at 6.2. She's not a shot blocker and not a three point shooter, but does average 10.1 ppg. Amber Hall is 6'2 forward who also pulls down 6.2 board per game. She is the main shot blocker down low and has taken only two 3s all year. She is a good free throw shooter at 88.5%. Rounding out the starters in point guard 5'10 Laura Haskins. She runs the offense and leads the team in assists at 101. She also helps rebound so she needs to be boxed out. She will shoot the 3 if open, but is primarily the fifth option on the team. Lindsay Biggs is their shooter off the bench as 73 of her 121 shots have taken place outside the arc. She shoots 34.2% from there. Eleanor Brentall is their main post sub and is listed at 6'4. VT's other two subs Shani Gray and Lakeisha Logan don't seem to be too involved in the offense and don't play more than 9 minutes per game.

VT will probably try and use it's quickness on the outside to get the rim and we need to counter that by getting around screens and boxing out when the miss. On the inside, Laura and Crystal should have a field day. The Hokies will probably try to slow the game down, so we need to get the ball and go. Dictate the tempo, not let them dictate the tempo for us.

Defensively, I see: Kristi on Haskins, Marah on Barbour, Coleman on Cook, Langhorne on Hall, Harper on Drye.

I want to see Ashleigh hit a 3 tonight and more offensive plays run for Drey and the same energy from Jade I saw on Thursday.