THE SETUP

Spread: VT is favored by 4.5

miami at VT Printable Lineup Card

The Opposing View

The Opposing Taunt

All-Time Records:

• Series: miami 7-5
• At VT: 3-3
• Since Joining the ACC: VT 4-1
• Streak: VT – 2

It takes a big man to admit when he’s beaten. VT is 7-2 against the canes in football and basketball since joining the ACC. Maybe they should just give us this game and save themselves the travel costs.

This is the biggest game of the season for the Hokies to date. I know that sounds crazy, but hear me out. Up until this week, no one in their right mind (sorry vatechhokies50) though VT had a chance at the Big Dance, the NCAA’s. But with three straight wins, Tech entered this week firmly back on the bubble, sitting alone in third in the ACC. That bubble was promptly smacked upside the head for the 19th time in a row at nc state, who own the Hokies. Now the bubble is drifting like a fart in the wind. Will it crash? Or will Cinderella regain her composure?

Plain and simple, a loss in this game kills all NCAA hopes for the Hokies. They would have to win five of their last six in the regular season (including a win @unc) and at least one in the ACC Tourney to have any hope. That’s not going to happen. But this is a game VT is favored in, it is at home where Tech is 9-1 on the season, and miami is leaking more oil than the Exxon Valdez, having lost six of their last seven, all in ACC play.

That said, this is by no means a gimmee. This cane team started 12-0, including winning the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. They are an ACC/Big East hybrid, with the equivalent of a hockey goon line playing inside and some talented guards (Jack McClinton, Brian Asbury, and James Dews) on the perimeter. But this team has no confidence left, especially after a 62-55 loss at home to arch-rival fsu (well, The Opposing View, linked above, might say VT is the new arch-rival of miami).

So once again, Hokie fans, I implore you to get to the game EARLY, and be loud EARLY. You’ll see why I say that in Keys to the Game Point #1. Be an advantage!

THE NUMBERS

KEYS TO THE GAME…

Keys to the Game

• Win the First 4 Minutes: In Tech’s 9 ACC games, the team ahead at the first media timeout is 8-0 (duke and VT were tied). Either VT or their opponent has come out flat in almost every game, and often times never recovered. In fact, either VT or their opponent has had a double-digit first half lead in five of the last six ACC games.
• Attack the Rack: Coming into the nc state game, the Hokies had shot 58 more free throws and made 45 more than their opponents in ACC action. That’s 7+ more points per game for VT from the line. In the nc state game, VT did not get to the line for the first 29 minutes and gave up -20 free throws. The result was a 19 point first half deficit. Tech is getting killed on threes (opponents have made 67, to just 39 for the Hokies), so getting to the line is a must to make that up.
• Dump the Slump: Deron has missed 13 straight threes and has completely stopped shooting them. Delaney is just 1 for his last 12 from long range. Hudson has missed 15 straight and hasn’t made one since January 3rd. Thorns is 2 for his last 11. THESE ARE NOT GOOD STATS! Someone must start hitting to compliment Vassallo, and to force the physical miami team out on the perimeter. He’s hit 11 of Tech’s last 16 threes, and has been the only player to hit a three in 3 of the last 5 games. If Tech can’t force the cane D to extend, they can pack it in and just foul away, and they have plenty of bodies inside.
• Run, Seth, Run: Miami wants this game to be in the half court. They will not run much and they won’t turn it over much. miami can be beat in transition due to their size, so VT must look to get their break going off misses, or quick inbounds off makes. Tech has scored 70 plus in all four ACC wins against the canes, and under 60 in their loss. In the four wins, the Hokies have used their superior athleticism. I still feel like VT has an athletic advantage, and must tap into that. I’ll keep saying it – this team can be successful in a more up-tempo game, as long as they choose their spots. Plus, that will help fuel their penetration in the half court set.
• Just Like Slick Willy, Keep an Eye on (Mc)Clinton: Jack McClinton is third in the ACC in threes made, and he will bomb them. Tech must not lose him, which has been a problem in past ACC games. Good shooting guards have lit up Tech – singletary 34, causey 30, rice 27, and singletary 26. He is by far miami’s best offensive threat. James Dews is also a threat, hitting two three-pointers per game.
• Check the Goons: This miami team is reminiscent of past cane squads – big and physical inside but not very skilled. Tech must find a body to block out on every shot to limit the offensive rebounds. With all the threes um shoots (17 per game), there will be long rebounds. Also, Tech needs to rummage the offensive boards. Early against state, VT was taking shots with no one else inside. The result was one and done. As a result, the Hokies were outrebounded for the first time in ACC play. These two teams are #2 (VT) and #3 in rebounding margin in ACC games, so this should be a key battle. FYI: Jimmy Graham for miami might be the ugliest guy in the league.
• Play For Your Lives: In fact, Tech is playing for their NCAA Tournament lives, so this should be easy motivation. Come out aggressive on both ends, and the result should be a W. That will put VT at 6-4 in conference play with a week off before going to unc. Tech has done well in ugly, low scoring games this year, and this game should fit that mold.

THE LINEUPS

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