December 29, 2002

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Paced by sophomore Erin Gibson's double-double performance, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team captured its fifth consecutive Lady Luck Classic title, defeating Duquesne, 66-52, Sunday afternoon in Cassell Coliseum.

Tech led by as many as eight during the first half, but a 9-0 Duquesne run gave the lead to the Dukes. The two teams exchanged baskets for the remainder of the first period, with Tech taking a one-point lead into halftime.

The second half began in much the same way as the first ended, with the two teams trading points during the early going. With 9:22 remaining and the score tied at 42, a free throw by Carrie Mason ignited a 15-4 Tech run that gave the Hokies the lead for good at 57-46. Crucial free-throw shooting by the Hokies in the last minute and a half of the game sealed the Tech victory.

The Hokies were led by Gibson with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Ieva Kublina added 12 points and nine boards, while freshman Carrie Mason had 10 points.

Duquesne was led by Beth Friday's 14 points and 10 rebounds, marking the 39th time in her career she has recorded a double-double and the second time in the tournament. Aiga Bautre added 14 points and six boards.

Gibson received MVP honors for the two-day tournament. Tech's Emily Lipton was named to the all-tournament team along with Jennifer Mitchell from Loyola and Friday and Bautre from Duquesne.

The Hokies will be back in action Tuesday, Dec. 31, as they take on Radford in Cassell Coliseum at 2 p.m.