Adrienna Motley scored a season-high 26 points, Keyona Hayes added 18 and No. 17 Miami overcame a slow start to defeat Virginia Tech 79-69 on Thursday night.
Vanessa Panousis hit two 3-pointers and Chanette Hicks scored six points as the Hokies raced to a 20-11 lead after one quarter. A pair of inside baskets by Emese Hof and a Motley 3-pointer capped an 11-2 run for the Hurricanes and Hayes and Motley combined for the last nine Miami points of the half for a 36-29 lead.
Eight points from Panousis pulled Virginia Tech within two in the third quarter but Hoff had consecutive baskets and Laura Cornelius made a 3 and the Hurricanes led by 11 with 2:50 to go. In the final minute Motley made four free throws to seal it.
Hof finished with nine points for Miami (20-7, 9-6 Atlantic Coast Conference).
Hicks had 21 points and Panousis 17 for the Hokies (16-12, 3-12), who lost their 11th straight.