Virginia Tech got off to a fantastic 15-2 start and coasted to a 59-43 over Georgia Tech in the first round of the ACC Tournament Thursday night in Greensboro. The win advances the Hokies into the quarterfinals tonight against third-seeded Florida State at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Tech played tremendous defense throughout the 40 minutes, limiting the Jackets to the lowest point total in the Paul Hewitt era, which more than likely ended Thursday night. Georgia Tech missed 10 of it first 11 shots to allow the Hokies to get out to the 15-2 advantage.
The Hokies continued their hot shooting the remainder of the half, shooting 50 percent in the first 20 minutes, while holding the Jackets to 23 percent shooting. Tech opened up the lead to 30-11 with less than eight minutes to go before the Jackets went on a 8-0 run to get back within 11, but they could never get any closer.
Leading by 17 at halftime, Tech conserved energy while not letting the Jackets get within 15. The Hokies expanded their advantage to 24 with less than nine minutes to go at 55-31. Over the final nine minutes, the Hokies scored just four points playing a four-corner style of offense with the game in hand. Meanwhile, Tech limited GT to 43 points, the second-lowest total in ACC Tournament history.
VT got production from all of its big three. Malcolm Delaney led Tech with 15 points despite taking just seven shots. Jeff Allen recorded his 16th double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Erick Green tossed in 11.
The Hokies did a great job limiting Georgia Tech’s main threat in Iman Shumpert. GT’s leading scorer had just 12 points, 12.5 below his average against the Hokies this year. The Jackets shot just 32 percent from the field, the second-worst by any VT opponent this year. Only Mount St. Mary’s was worse.
Click "Continue Reading" for a preview of tonight's game...
PART II-Florida State Preview
Tech now heads into a crucial quarterfinal matchup with Florida State tonight. A win against the ‘Noles would put the Hokies in a great position in terms of making the NCAA Tournament.
The big question surrounding FSU is the status of Chris Singleton. The 2010 ACC Defensive Player of the Year is also a threat offensively, leading the Noles with 13.8 ppg. Singleton missed the last five games of the season with a broken foot and has talked about coming back for the tournament. However, while making an appearance in the stands during Thursday’s action, Singleton was seen still wearing a walking boot on his right foot.
In the only prior meeting between these two teams, the Hokies won 71-59 back on January 8 in Blacksburg. Tech used the great play of Jeff Allen (24 points, 11 rebounds) to defeat the cold-shooting ‘Noles. FSU shot 29 percent in the first half and just 36 percent for the game.
Singleton had a big game with 22 points in Blacksburg, but Michael Snaer was the only other Seminole to reach double figures. Even if Singleton plays, FSU is going to need production from its backcourt if it wants to win.
Florida State is not a great offensive team, but they are fantastic on the defensive end. If Tech wants to win this game, it is going to have to uglify the game without getting in foul trouble. The Hokies should be relatively fresh considering the easy win last night. Also, Tech will probably try to run a little bit and not let the ‘Noles get into their tough halfcourt defense.
This is a very important matchup. Keeping it close tonight might be just enough to keep the Hokies in the tournament, but why risk it when you have the opportunity to win. Tech had its way with the ‘Noles in Blacksburg back in January, but that was also an FSU team coming off a loss to Auburn. The Seminoles are a much better team now, even without Chris Singleton.
For a look at FSU’s starting lineup, click here for the preview from the first meeting.
