PITTSBURGH — The Pitt women’s basketball team returned after a two-game road trip but were unable to string successful plays together in a 74-55 setback against Virginia Tech Thursday night at Petersen Events Center.
Pitt (4-6, 2-5 ACC) was led by Dayshanette Harris’s 18 points, though she needed 14 shots and took 10 free throws to get there. Additionally, Harris committed seven turnovers. Destiny Strother added 12 points scoring all of her points on a season high four three-point baskets. Amber Brown added 10 points and seven rebounds before fouling out.
Virginia Tech (10-7, 5-7 ACC) saw Elizabeth Kitley lead all scorers with her 20 points while also pulling down eight rebounds. Aisha Sheppard contributed 16 points in as many minutes as she battled foul trouble for a good portion of the game. Georgia Amoore scored 13 points and added six assists.
A big difference in the game was Virginia Tech’s 24-7 advantage in points off turnovers. Pitt had 17 miscues on the evening. The Hokies also added 21 assists on 26 baskets.
After scoring 32 points in the first quarter when these teams battled in Blacksburg, Pitt scored 10 points shooting 28.6% from the field including 0-for-6 on its three-point shots.
Virginia Tech had nine assists on 12 baskets while Pitt was 0-for-6 from the field from three. Virginia Tech also beat the buzzer to end the quarter as Pitt watched D’asia Gregg grab an offensive rebound and convert a jumper just prior to the horn.
Pitt’s 5:10 scoreless streak extended into the second quarter before it got a basket and started to generate some positive plays.
Down 21, Pitt closed the half on a 10-0 run to trail 36-25.
Though Virginia Tech struck first in the third quarter, Pitt continued to battle twice getting the contest within single digits.
First Harris sank a fastbreak layup, but the Hokies answered back with a basket on their next possession. Then, it was Strother who got into the act with a three-point basket that brought Pitt’s deficit to eight points.
The progress did not last long as Virginia Tech closed the third quarter on a 12-5 run, including another buzzer beater, this time from Amoore.
Pitt’s post players all got into foul trouble as Brown, Cynthia Ezeja and Rita Igbokwe each picked up four fouls before the fourth quarter media timeout. Brown fouled out before the end of the contest.
Pitt will remain home, hosting Syracuse Sunday at 2 p.m. in a game televised by A&T Sports Network. Pitt lost 80-57 at Syracuse on Jan. 28.
