Blacksburg, Virginia – It’s a final in Blacksburg where Virginia Tech came up short to Baylor 75-72 in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
Baylor had a 9-2 run the first quarter to take a 20-13 advantage before the Hokies fought hard to close the gap to three entering the second quarter.
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Both teams struggled to score in the second quarter before Cayla King hit a three pointer to tie the game at 24-24. But the Bears responded with a 10-2 run to take a 34-28 lead into halftime.
In the second half, it proved to be a back and forth game with the Hokies continuing to stay within one possession of the lead. It wasn’t until deep into the third quarter before Virginia Tech held its first lead—49-48 by way of a Carleigh Wenzel free throw. It didn’t last long as the Bears ended the quarter with the 55-52 advantage by way of a Jada Walker three pointer at the buzzer.
In the fourth quarter, Cayla King provided a spark with some timely layups at the rim. Clara Strack and Matilda Ekh continued to find offense as well. But Baylor’s post presence caused trouble with Richmond native Jada Walker and Sarah Andrews found rhythm.
Down 70-67, Clara Strack scored a putback basket to make it a one point game. But off the inbounds play, Walker scored on an “And 1″ play to push the lead to 72-69. She subsequently would make the free throw to make it a 73-69 ballgame.
But the fight wasn’t over. Off the inbounds play for the Hokies, Georgia Amoore hit a big three pointer and it was just a 73-72 score. However Walker’s free throws iced the game. She finished with a game high 28 points.