Coming off a close overtime game, winning 67-64 against Maryland Saturday the Hokies are pumped. They're gearing up for their next ACC competitor tonight on the road. They've been playing hot up-tempo basketball as of late. The streaky seniors are leading the way. Guard, Zabian Dowdell scored a game-high 19 points Saturday while Gordon added 16. Virginia Tech remains unbeaten this year on their home court. The energy and support from the fans there sure give them an edge and motivate them to elevate their game. Simply put they're a totally different team at home.
Knocking off the two biggest teams in the conference (UNC, Duke) served as a confidence booster. VA Tech is 14-5 overall and 4-1 in the ACC. Coach Seth Greenberg has his team playing his style of basketball, hovering defense, forcing turnovers, and scoring easy baskets off transition. The success so far can also be contributed to Jamon Gordon, Coleman Collins, and Deron Washington, who is an impressive leaper (when he jumped over Greg Paulus at Cameron Indoor Stadium for a layup I knew he had serious "ups"). The Hokies aren't going to back down from anyone, they play with a lot of heart and intensity.
They have a decent bench at best and an important factor for them until March will be staminia and strength . Forget about speed, that won't be a problem. They're excellent at pushing the ball up the court when under control and can match basically any conference rival on 3-point shooting. A.D. Vassallo shoots 43% beyond the arc and is averaging around 11 points a game. Their guards are the main strengths because they account for most of the points and force turnovers off steals and deflections. When Gordon and Dowdell get in a zone it's tough to defend them.
Miami will have their hands full when the Hokies come to down for the 9:00 p.m. contest tonight. Getting out to an early lead and putting pressure on the ball to spoil Miami's offensive strategy should give VA Tech breathing room coming into halftime. They don't want rush their offense, but play off turnovers on the defensive end. If they play their cards right there will be no chance at another overtime game and can gain their 5th victory in the ACC. Although, if both teams get hot it will be an back-and-front battle.
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You were not mistaken, all is true
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