Who: Virginia Tech Hokies (13-10, 2-6 ACC) @ Miami Hurricanes (14-7, 5-3 ACC)
When: Thursday, February 9 @ 9:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN2 (Mike Patrick, Len Elmore, Jeannine Edwards)
Where: BankUnited Center (7,000), Coral Gables, FL
Halfway through the ACC slate, the Hokies head to Miami for a showdown with the red-hot Hurricanes. Obviously, Tech had a tough first 8 games in conference, but the Hokies have a chance to move up the standings with some critical contests starting tonight in Coral Gables.
Tech got its second conference win of the year over Clemson on Saturday, holding on for dear life in the final minute for a 67-65 win. Doe-Doe finally broke out of his slump with a 12-point performance, his best since the end of December. Tech is now a perfect 8-0 in games where Finney-Smith reaches double digits, but the Hokies are 1-8 when he makes 0 or 1 shots in a game. Sadly, there's been more games where Finney has been held without a made shot than when he's reached double figures. Yes, he's just a freshman, but the Hokies are in dire need of secondary scoring. Erick Green will get his 12-19 per game, but the rest is really a question mark. Will Davila show up? Will Eddie hit his 3's? It's all question marks outside of Green. That alone is why Tech has struggled in late-game situations. There's only one option to shoot and the defense knows it.
Miami, meanwhile, comes in scorching hot. The 'Canes have won 4 in a row, including a stunning overtime victory at Cameron on Sunday. The U dominated the first half, leading Duke by as many 14 before withstanding a late rally to force the game into OT. Even then, Miami wouldn't back down, controlling the extra session in the 78-74 victory. They're finally starting to hit their stride after a slow start under first-year head coach Jim Larranaga, who couldn't have asked for a more talented team to fall into his lap. Miami has two great guards in Malcolm Grant and Durand Scott, and two dominant forces inside with Reggie Johnson and Kenny Kadji.
Grant and Scott might be the best 1-2 backcourt punch in the ACC, combining to score 26 points per game, although Grant's production has dipped a bit in conference play. These two have had great success against the Hokies, particularly Scott who's averaging 14.5ppg in 4 games against Tech. Inside, Reggie Johnson is a dominant force that surprisingly, has really struggled against Tech in his career. Johnson has always been in foul trouble against the Hokies and has NEVER scored more than 8 points in 4 career games against Tech. The wild card is Kadji, who transferred from Florida and is starting to gain confidence in the ACC, peaking with back-to-back 20-point games against NC State and Georgia Tech. He's scored in double figures in eight straight, and 12 of his last 13 overall.
Miami is a really good basketball team that is full of talent. However, as odd as it sounds, Tech may be catching them at the right time. Coming off back-to-back overtime games, including a victory at Duke, the Canes are due for a letdown. Add in the fact that they have a matinee matchup with arch rival Florida State Saturday, and you have a classic look ahead scenario. Don't get me wrong, the Hokies have to play a great game to beat Miami, but I wouldn't expect to see the same team we saw Sunday at Cameron.
