The Hokies' game against Miami is essentially a play-in game for the NCAA Tournament thanks to BC's win over Maryland last night. I doubt the selection committee will only take three teams from the ACC. The Terps should be out of contention for the fourth ACC bid, meaning it will go to either Tech or Miami.
This all could have been avoided if the Hokies had beaten Clemson on Sunday. Now, because nearly every bubble team lost yesterday, Tech has been given a second chance. What they do with it is up to them.
Game Guide
Virginia Tech vs. Miami
Time: 2:30ish p.m.
(Game starts appx. 30 minutes after the UNC-FSU game at noon)
Place: Bobcats Arena, Charlotte, N.C.
TV: Raycom in the ACC viewing area, ESPN2 everywhere else
Regular Season: Tech and Miami met once in the regular season, Feb. 9 in Blacksburg. Miami won, 74-71 for its first win in Blacksburg since 2004. A.D. Vassallo made four threes and scored 24 points to lead all scorers. Tech shot 63 percent (17-27) in the second half, including five-for-nine from behind the arc, but couldn't overcome a 10 point deficit in the final 12 minutes. The difference came at the line, where Miami made 21 of 25 free throws. The Hokies made eight of their 12 foul shots.
Trends: Miami won its last game, 63-50 vs. NC State yesterday in the ACC Tournament. The Hurricanes have now won seven of their last nine games. They lost six of their previous seven. The Hokies lost their last game, 70-69 at Clemson on Sunday. The Hokies had won their previous four and seven of their previous 10 games.
What to expect: Should be close. The previous meeting was decided by three points and most of the games in the ACC this year have been tight.
Hokies win if: They make their free throws down the stretch, keep Miami from going to the line and they can get points in the paint from Vassallo and Jeff Allen.
Canes win if: Jack McClinton goes off and they're able to force turnovers from Tech's inexperienced ball handlers.
Dot-dot-dots: The Hokies are 6-10 and the Canes are 9-7 in road and neutral court games this season...Tech is 1-3 and Miami is 4-3 all-time in the ACC Tournament...the Hokies have received a first round bye in the ACC Tournament in three of four seasons since joining the conference in 2004-05.
Today's schedule/picks:
Noon - UNC over FSU
2:30ish p.m. - Miami over VT
7 p.m. - Duke over GT
9:30ish p.m. - Tyrese Rice over Clemson
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
Upon further review, Miami's pretty much a lock for The Tournament. Hopefully Tech will be the fifth ACC team in the field.
Post a Comment