December 5, 2001

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Virginia Tech women's basketball team erupted in the second half to break open a close game and cruise to a 83-64 victory Wednesday night at Fitzgerald Fieldhouse on the University of Pittsburgh campus. The victory snapped a two-game skid for the Hokies and was the BIG EAST Opener for both teams.

Tech (4-2, 1-0) led only 34-31 at intermission but scored 49 points in the second half to seal the win. Senior Nicole Jones scored 18 of her game-high 21 points in the second half as the Hokies shot 60.7 percent (17-28). Junior Chrystal Starling added 18 points followed by Ieva Kublina with 18 and Sarah Hicks with 11 points. Kublina registered the fourth double-double of her career with 10 rebounds to go along with four blocks and three assists.

For the game the Hokies shot 56.4 percent from the field (31-55), 84.2 percent (16-19) at the line and held a 39-28 advantage on the boards. Emily Lipton hit a career-high two three-point baskets while Hicks, Jones and Starling also connected from behind the arc.

Pittsburgh (3-4, 0-1) was led by Mandy Wittenmyer with 21 points and Laine Selwyn's 12 points.

Virginia Tech plays its fifth consecutive road game Saturday at Liberty. Game time is 6 p.m.