AUSTIN, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant opening statement and a resilient closing act, the Oregon Ducks advanced in the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament by defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies 70-60 on Friday afternoon at the Frank Erwin Center.

The most important part of the game was Oregon’s explosive first quarter, which established a lead Virginia Tech spent the rest of the afternoon fruitlessly trying to overcome. The Ducks, playing with palpable energy from the tip, raced out to a 22-11 lead after the opening period. They shot efficiently and capitalized on early Virginia Tech misses, building a cushion that proved critical as the Hokies mounted several challenges.

Virginia Tech, which finished its season 23-10, showed grit in response. The Hokies won the second quarter 18-13, trimming the deficit to 35-29 by halftime. They continued to chip away in the third, but every push was met with a counterpunch from Oregon. The Ducks maintained their composure and a six-point lead heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Virginia Tech make its most serious run, closing to within two points on multiple occasions. A driving layup by Carleigh Wenzel with 9:47 remaining made it 57-55, and a three-pointer from Carys Baker later cut the lead to 61-60 with just over six minutes to play. That was as close as the Hokies would get.

Oregon, which improved to 23-12, responded with a decisive 9-0 run over the next three minutes to seal the victory. The sequence was emblematic of the Ducks’ night: a defensive stop led to a Mia Jacobs three-pointer, followed by an Ari Long three-pointer on the next possession, stretching the lead to 67-60 and effectively extinguishing Virginia Tech’s hopes.

Katie Fiso led Oregon with 22 points, four assists and two blocks, controlling the tempo and making key plays on both ends. Ehis Etute recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, providing a crucial interior presence. Mia Jacobs added 13 points, and Ari Long contributed seven points, seven rebounds and three assists.

For Virginia Tech, Carys Baker was a force, scoring 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a relentless effort. Her scoring, particularly from beyond the arc in the second half, kept the Hokies within striking distance. Mackenzie Nelson directed the offense with six assists, and Mel Daley provided a spark off the bench with eight points.

Despite the loss, Virginia Tech’s defense held firm for long stretches after the first quarter, but the team could not find consistent offensive answers. Oregon’s defense, particularly its ability to protect the rim with seven total blocks and disrupt passing lanes, forced Virginia Tech into difficult shots down the stretch.

The Ducks’ early burst and their composed response to Virginia Tech’s final rally were the defining features of the contest, sending Oregon forward in the postseason.