Amoore’s free throws put No. 7 Virginia Tech over No. 13 UNC

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) Georgia Amoore hit three free throws with 1.8 seconds left to lift No. Virginia Tech’s 7 to a 68-65 win over the No. 13 North Carolina on Sunday.

Amoore finished the game with a game-high 24 points, connecting 7 of 17 shots, including a career-high six 3-pointers for the Hokies (12-2, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), who notched their first win over a ranked team of the season.

After this game, one of us will probably be 12th or 13th and the other will be 22nd. Which do you want? Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks said of the win. We have a lot of basketball left to play, but it’s big for a lot of different reasons. It’s big for your current status, because it’s the Carolinas, lots of different reasons. Yes, it’s big. We’ll celebrate it like it’s big.

With the game tied at 65, Virginia Tech called a timeout with 14.2 seconds remaining. The Hokies ran out of time, and Amoore was fouled by North Carolina’s Kennedy Todd-Williams while attempting a 3-pointer.

“I’m not sure if they tried (to cheat) or not, if the referee didn’t call it or something, but KT (Kayana Traylor) took my mistake on the dribble and kicked it back to me,” said Amoore. I was like, We have 4 seconds left. I have to put something. I’m just grateful I committed an offence.

North Carolina (9-4, 0-2) called a timeout after Amoore’s third free throw. The Tar Heels attempted to field the ball, but Virginia Tech’s Dasia Gregg dropped a pass into the backcourt and time expired.

Deja Kelly spurred the Tar Heels with 21 points. North Carolina has lost three games in a row.

“There are a few things I don’t want to be penalized for, so I’ll just say there are some questionable things that we need to work out throughout the game,” said North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart. Our plan is to commit a late offense. We had fouls and we had a hard time doing that. So there are some things in the late game that we didn’t execute either. Ball possession game, and that’s what you expect on the road against a very good team.

Elizabeth Kitley contributed 13 points and seven rebounds for the Hokies, who held on despite 20 turnovers.

TIP-INS

North Carolina: The Tar Heels could have used Kelly in the last minute, but she fouled on charging with 1:23 left. North Carolina looked unsettled with its last two possessions, and the end result was another crushing three of four Tar Heels losses by eight points or less.

Virginia Tech: Gregg is the unsung hero for the Hokies, who have lost two of their last three games. Her shot which was blocked from Anya Pooles’ layup attempt with 18 seconds left made it the Hokies’ final possession. He also made a 3-pointer with 1:45 left to put Virginia Tech up 65-64. Gregg finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes off the bench.

He hasn’t started for us since he’s been here, Brooks said. But he gets things done and that’s because that’s where his value is for our group. When he plays like that, we are very good.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Virginia Tech lost at Clemson on Thursday, but may stay in the top 10 after beating the Tar Heels. North Carolina will be dropping a few spots after losing two games over the past week.

NEXT

North Carolina: Visiting Miami on Thursday.

Virginia Tech: The hosts rival Virginia on Thursday.

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AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https:/ /twitter.com/AP_Top25