Hokies draw Rutgers in ACC/Big Ten Challenge November 28 on Carilion Clinic Court

Tech are winners of three straight in the competition

June 11, 2018

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team will play host to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Wednesday, Nov. 28 in the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge, the ACC office announced Monday morning.

Tech will be seeking its fourth consecutive win in the competition, building on the successes of the past three seasons with victories over Illinois, Nebraska and Penn State.

“Once again we are excited to be a part of the ACC/Big 10 Challenge and we will do our best to represent the ACC,” said head coach Kenny Brooks. “Our competition this year, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are led by legendary coach Vivian Stringer. They are coming off of a very successful campaign from a year ago and will prove to be a great opponent coming into Cassell Coliseum. The Challenge adds to a very competitive schedule as we prepare for the rigors of the ACC.”

The Hokies and Scarlett Knights have met six times previously, all as members of the Big East Conference. Rutgers owns a 4-2 record in the series, which has not been contested since 2004.

Virginia Tech in the Challenge: The Hokies are 5-6 all-time in the competition, owning a three-game winning streak for the first time in its history. Hokies’ head coach Kenny Brooks is undefeated in the competition, defeating Nebraska 76-67 in 2016 and Illinois 96-49 in 2017.

History of Virginia Tech in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge
2017: W, 96-49 at Illinois
2016: W, 76-67 vs Nebraska
2015: W, 64-59 at Penn State
2014: L, 45-70 vs Northwestern
2013: L, 65-77 at Indiana
2012: W, 47-38 vs Wisconsin
2011: L, 47-58 at Iowa
2010: L, 58-63 at Minnesota
2009: L, 51-71 vs Michigan
2008: L, 52-61 at Wisconsin
2007: W, 68-62 vs Minnesota

Notes on the Challenge
-The ACC has won eight Challenge titles since its inception in 2007, with an overall record of 81-55
-Tech is one of five league teams currently on a three-game winning streak in the competition (Duke, Notre Dame, Florida State, Miami).
-All-time, Tech is 20-32 against teams in the Big Ten Conference

Comparing the conferences
-Eight ACC teams (Miami, Duke, Florida State, Virginia, Notre Dame, Syracuse, NC State and Louisville) featured in the 2018 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, the most of any conference. Both Notre Dame and Louisville advanced to the Final Four, with the Fighting Irish capturing their second title in school history.
-The Big Ten earned six bids the NCAA Tournament (Ohio State, Minnesota, Maryland, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan), but saw no team reach the Sweet Sixteen.

2018 ACC/Big Ten Challenge schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 28
Illinois @ Clemson
Rutgers @ Virginia Tech
Indiana @ Wake Forest
Duke @ Wisconsin
Virginia @ Michigan State
Thursday, Nov. 29
Iowa @ Notre Dame
Nebraska @ Louisville
Georgia Tech @ Maryland
Penn State @ Florida State
Pitt @ Northwestern
North Carolina @ Ohio State
Miami @ Purdue
Syracuse @ Minnesota
Michigan @ NC State

Game times as well as television coverage will be announced at a later date.

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