Star transfers jolt Hokies past SEC foe Auburn

Blacksburg, VA -- The Virginia Tech Hokies took on the Auburn Tigers tonight at Cassell Coliseum. Last year's battle between these teams proved to be exciting with the Hokies beating the Tigers in overtime, 92-87. With this game being only the second home game of the season, Virginia Tech fans packed Cassel Coliseum hoping for a repeat of last years game, that left fans clinging to the edge of their seats.

While this year was another victory for the Hokies, this time around fans did not have to wait for overtime, as Virginia Tech took care of business in regulation with a 72-63 win.

“Really good win for our program, really good win for this particular team just because I've learned a lot about them and I like it, I like the possibilities of where they can go,” said Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks.

The first quarter of the game, both teams came out in full force ready to battle for 40 minutes, yet by the conclusion of the period, the score sat at 22-20, in favor of the Tigers.

Unfortunately for Virginia Tech and Auburn, baskets did not come as easily in the next period as the two teams combined for 18 points. The Tigers guard Janiah McKay, led the way for her team with seven points. Even though the Hokies had a strong scoring duo in Taylor Emery and Chanette Hicks, who both scored nine points in the first two periods, the home team was down entering halftime.

Auburn held the slight four-point lead, 32-28.

Refusing to once again fall into a scoring lull in the third — which the Tigers did -- the Hokies’ offense found its cohesion again. By the end of the third, Virginia Tech now held the lead for the first time at the end of a period, 48-41.

Despite Auburn having a better offensive effort in the final quarter, the Hokies did not let up, making sure to keep its lead. It was a valiant effort, but the Tigers would fall short to Virgina Tech, 72-63.

Virginia Tech is quite a young team and plans to take their competitive edge to the top this season throughout the ACC. Alexis Jean, a transfer from Palm Beach State, ended the night with an impressive double-double, 14 rebounds, and 11 points, while Taylor Emery — another transfer -- scored 20 points, with four rebounds. Both players looked impressive this early in the season.

Daisa Alexander scored 19 points on the board, to end the game, but that wasn't enough to provide Auburn with a victory.

Virginia Tech will take on USC Upstate this Friday night at Cassell Coliseum at 9 pm ET. Auburn plays North Carolina at Auburn on Thursday at 7 pm ET.