Irish Hit the Road; Beat Va. Tech 63-52, for First ACC Win of Season
It wasn't pretty by any means - heck, the Irish scored/were held to nine (9) points in the first quarter, but they took off in the fourth quarter to beat the heretofore undefeated Hokies. In doing so, they held the Hokies to under 30-percent shooting from the field, in a game that reminded me a lot of an old Big East game.
Here's a link to ESPNw write-up:
Olivia Miles had 16 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and five steals to lead No. 5 Notre Dame to a 63-52 victory over previously unbeaten No. 6 Virginia Tech.
www.espn.com
Here's some "morning-after" thoughts I posted on The Bench:
- Va. Tech was known for its clinging defense and that was evident in the first half (one could make an argument about poor shooting, too). However, as the game progressed, the Irish had a lot to do with keeping the Hokies to 52 points and under 30% shooting. Yes, Georgia Amoore went off in the 3rd quarter (note to coaches: work on high pick D), but the Irish were very effective.
- While Amoore had 20 (see quarter three) and Liz Kitley 16, they held the four other Hokies to sixteen -- 16 -- points. Taylor Soule shot 2-13, Cayla King 0-5 and Kayana Traylor 3-12.
- Irish legs were hoppin': they blocked nine (9) shots, led by Sonia Citron and Kylee Watson with 3 each and Maddy Westbeld with two. Westbeld's block on Traylor's baseline drive in the 2nd half was ballsy, because she had three fouls at the time.
- Tip of the hat to Westbeld for being able to stay on the floor (31 minutes). She played tough D (hello, Ms. Soule), scored 10 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and had 2 steals, along with the 2 blocks. Coach Ivey knew she needed Westbeld in there, too, and trusted her.
- I endorse anything that allows Sonia Citron to attack downhill, whether it's an Lauren Ebo screen or a ridiculous Olivia Miles pass from the baseline to a cutting Citron who went 0-60 in two steps and scored an "and one" layup. Bam. Hits the free throw, too. Citron also fumbled a lead pass from Miles but fell to her knees to retrieve it, then poked it to a cutting Westbeld for an easy lay-up.
- Lastly, kudos to Miles for keeping cool and not getting frustrated for missing a bunch of 1st half bunnies, then nailing the entire 4th quarter. At the end of the day, when she plays like this, it's simple: ND has Miles and other teams don't. She's a weapon .. and only getting better.
- Solid, tough win on the road, which will help for ACC standings and confidence. Irish have a home game against Western Michigan this Wednesday, go home for the holidays, then head back to the Commonwealth for an away game against UVA and ND alum Sam Brunelle.
apnews.com
)
