HARRISONBURG, VA –In his first trip back to the Convocation Center since his move to Blacksburg in 2016, head coach Kenny Brooks was overwhelmed with emotion at the support that he and his family received upon his return Thursday. But the cheers ended at tipoff as the raucous crowd helped JMU to a narrow 70-66 victory in the WNIT's Sweet 16.
Trinity Baptiste led the Hokies in the early goings, scoring five quick points to give Tech the lead at 8-7 and recording two more buckets in the first quarter. All told, the sophomore would rack up 18 and 12 rebounds, her eighth double-double of the season.
Tech converted their opportunities from the free throw line all season, and did so again Thursday night, making 20 of 22 attempts. One of the Hokies' other calling cards, the 3-point shot was effective, hitting 8 of 23 from beyond the arc, led by Aisha Sheppard's three made field goals.
The Dukes took advantage of a 9-0 run late in the second quarter that extended into the third to give them a lead and momentum for the rest of the night. Kamiah Smalls spearheaded the effort with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Jackie Benitez scored 15.
Benitez's triple gave the Dukes a seven point lead their largest of the night in the third quarter and from there they would lead the rest of the way. Smalls and Logan Reynolds iced the game at the free throw line as Tech tried to make a comeback.
It would be turnovers that ultimately was the Hokies' undoing as the team gave it away 17 times, while JMU was able to take better care of the ball, only committing seven.
James Madison had an advantage on the offensive glass, grabbing 17 Thursday leading to more possessions. Madison took 18 more shots than the Hokies.
Regan Magarity had 10 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
Game Notes:
• Taylor Emery scored 20-plus points for the 17th time this season as she led the team in scoring once again. The most prolific scorer in Virginia Tech history, Emery owns the two highest single season point tallies in Blacksburg and finishes her two-year career with the Hokies 11th all-time in scoring.
• Magarity finishes her Tech career third in points, first in rebounds, third in blocks, first in double-doubles and 10th in 3-pojnters made. The redshirt senior has the most rebounds in ACC history and was named second team All-ACC in 2019.
Gallery: (3/28/2019) 2019 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WNIT GAME THREE
