The women’s basketball team was riding high coming off a conference victory against the Florida State Seminoles on the road. The Jackets were looking to continue their success at home against the Virginia Cavaliers on Jan. 25, before heading on the road to face the Clemson Tigers on Jan. 29. Tech came out successful in both contests, beating the Cavaliers 63-53 and the Tigers 63-54.
In the Jackets’ victory 63-53 victory against Virginia, senior center Sasha Goodlett posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while senior point guard Metra Walthour contributed with another 11 points. The win by the Jackets was the fourth straight victory at home against Virginia.
The 11 points by Marshall marked her 20th game in double figures this season.
The Jackets started off slow against the Cavaliers, only hitting four of their first 12 shot attempts before hitting their stride and shooting 56 percent to close the half and go into the locker room up 34-30.
Walthour hit three three-point shots in the final seven minutes of the period to close out a strong first half.
Tech’s defense then took over, holding the Cavaliers to only 23 second half points on 32 percent shooting.
The Jackets took a 40-31 lead early in the second half and held off the Cavaliers for the remainder of the game to secure the win. A 12-2 run with less than ten minutes left to play gave the Jackets a 13-point lead, all but securing a win for the team.
Of the 24 shots made in the game, 18 were off of assists.
The Jackets then hit the road to take on the Clemson Tigers. They were successful in continuing their winning streak against the Tigers with a final score of 63-54, making this game the fifth straight win over their rival.
The Jackets have not lost in Clemson, S.C., since the 2006 season.
Goodlett and sophomore guard Tyaunna Marshall both lead the team with a combined 30 points and 17 rebounds.
Once again, the Jackets started the game off slow, allowing Clemson to go on an 11-3 run through the first seven minutes. However, the Jackets rallied on a 12-4 run over the next five minutes to tie the game at 15-15.
Both teams exchanged a series of field goals and turnovers to end the half before the Tigers went into the intermission up 27-26.
Tech turned up the intensity level on the defensive side of the ball for a second straight game, holding the Tigers to 38 percent shooting in the second half while shooting 50 percent on the offensive end.
Clemson came out of the locker room and quickly earned their largest lead of the game, going up 36-31 through the first three minutes. However, the Jackets struck back quickly, coming within one point after two straight baskets by Marshall.
An 11-5 stretch by the Jackets gave them a 47-40 lead midway through the second half with two free throws by Goodlett. Despite efforts by the Tigers, they never came within two points of the Jackets through the rest of the game. The Jackets held Clemson to one basket through the last 4:22 of the game.
The Jackets, with a 6-3 conference record, returned home to play against the N.C. State Wolfpack on Thursday, Feb. 2, after the time of press. They then will host the Maryland Terrapins on Monday, Feb. 6.