CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- Carleigh Wenzel scored 23 points and Virginia Tech pulled away from rival Virginia in the second half for a 76-64 win Saturday at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg.
Kymora Johnson scored 19 points to lead the Cavaliers, who lost for the fourth time in their last six outings. Gabby White added 15, and Sa’Myah Smith scored seven.
Wenzel led four Tech players in double digits. She was joined by Mckenzie Nelson (15) Samyha Suffren (12), and Carys Baker (11).
The Hokies clung to a 30-28 lead at halftime but outscored UVA 46-36 after the break.
Neither team led by more than seven points until late into the fourth quarter.  The Hokies challenged the Hoos on the offensive glass, an area the Hoos have dominated against many of their previous opponents, with the Hoos just edging the Hokies 14-13 in that category. Ten players had more than three fouls, as the game remained physical from beginning to end.
The Hokies made the most of their trips to the free-throw line, going 23 for 34 there. Wenzel scored 19 of her points at the line.
Virginia turned the ball over 13 times to Virginia Tech’s seven.
After Paris Clark fouled out in the final two minutes, Virginia Tech extended their lead to ten points, with their rebounding aggression and shot-blocking abilities earning the reward of breathing room.  The Hokies outscored the Hoos in the fourth quarter 21-14.
Virginia Women’s Basketball is back in action Thursday against the Miami Hurricanes at John Paul Jones Arena beginning at 7 p.m. The broadcast is available on WINA News Radio and Cvillerightnow.com.