November 25, 2000

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Virginia Tech used a strong defensive effort and 15 points form Crystal Starling to defeat Michigan State 50-36 in the opening round of the Tallahassee Democrat Classic hosted by Florida State University.

Tech (3-0) held the Spartans to only 21.7% (10-46) from the field for the game and forced 19 turnovers in the victory. Sarah Hicks and Tere Williams added 12 points each for the Hokies.

Virginia Tech led by as many as 15 points (31-16) in the second half but saw Michigan State (1-2) cut the lead to 36-31 with 5:15 remaining in the game. The Hokies sealed the game by hitting 12 of 12 free throws down the stretch including six by Starling.

The teams swapped the lead in the early going until the Hokies used a 8-0 run five minutes into the game to build a 16-8 advantage which they never relinquished. Tech biggest lead of the half occurred at 25-14 with 4:34 remaining on Starling jumper

The Hokies will face the winner of the Chicago State/Florida State game in Sunday's championship game at 4 p.m.