Preview: Seed Virginia Tech Faces Seed Oregon in NCAA First Round

AUSTIN, Texas (Interstat) — A contrast in momentum will be on display Friday when seventh-seeded Virginia Tech meets 10th-seeded Oregon in the first round of the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament at the Frank Erwin Center.

The Hokies (23-9), who stumbled into the postseason with an 85-68 loss at North Carolina on March 6, will look to rediscover their form against a Ducks squad (22-12) that closed the regular season winning three of its final four games.

Virginia Tech’s fortunes will likely hinge on the play of guard Carleigh Wenzel. The standout junior is averaging 19.8 points over her last five games, including a 29-point effort in a narrow road win at Virginia on March 1. She scored 26 in the loss to the Tar Heels.

Oregon counters with its own dynamic guard in Katie Fiso. The sophomore has been a consistent force, scoring at least 14 points in seven consecutive contests. She tallied 22 points and seven assists in the Ducks’ regular-season finale, an 80-58 loss at Michigan on March 6.

The Hokies boast a slightly better overall record but have been inconsistent lately, alternating wins and losses over their past six games. Oregon, despite more losses, has shown resilience, including a key road win at Maryland (73-68) on March 5.

This neutral-site game in Texas is technically a home contest for Oregon as the higher-seeded team in the pod. The Ducks have been installed as a 2.5-point pregame favorite by oddsmakers, with the over/under set at 137 points.

Virginia Tech will aim to leverage its experience from a tougher conference schedule, while Oregon will rely on Fiso’s playmaking and the momentum from its late-season push. The winner will advance to face the victor of the game between second-seeded Texas and 15th-seeded Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday.