Mens Basketball: Virginia Tech (4-2) at Penn State (6-1) 7:15 PM ESPNU

Television
ESPNU - Clay Matvick & Tim Welsh

Radio
Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network - Bill Roth & Mike Burnop
Also available on:
Satellite: Sirius 84, XM 84
Digital: Hokies Xtra & TuneIn

The Hokies travel to State College to take on the Nittany Lions. Both teams come in on wins, the Hokies having dispatched Morgan State 83-63 and Penn State having beaten Bucknell 88-80. The Nittany Lions also went 2-1 over the holidays in the Charleston Classic, losing in the first round in a surprising 106-97 double overtime loss to the Charlotte 49ers.

Penn State offensively goes as D.J. Newbill(#2) goes, who comes in averaging 25 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.1 apg in over 38 minutes a contest. Newbill is a 6'4 Senior Shooting Guard who packs a wallop at 210 lbs. Fortunately, Tech sports several similar sized guards so expect to see alot of Mueller and Bibbs guarding Newbill this evening. There are two other Nittany Lions averaging double figures. Both Shep Garner(#33) and Brandon Taylor(#10) come in averaging over 10 ppg so far this season. Taylor will likely be the responsibility of our big men to keep off the boards and getting easy buckets as that appears to be how he contributes most. The remainder of the starting five for Penn State will likely be Geno Thorpe(#13) and Ross Travis(#43) giving them a three guard/two forward set on the floor at most times.

Offensively, Penn State tries to create a lopsided court, shifting four away from the intended shooter, typically trying to get Newbill an open look or the option to drive the ball into the lane in a one on one situation. They also look to alternate the position of their big men to create passing lanes down low to also create layup or easy shot opportunities.

Defensively, they will likely spend much of the game in a 3-2 zone, spreading out to the perimeter to contest open shots. Their coach has a very similar mindset to Buzz in regards creating offense from defense by creating turnovers and ensuring there is someone between the ball and the basket at all times. They play a very up tempo style which should mesh well with how the Hokies like to approach the game.

Penn State so far is averaging 76 points per game, with a very similar Points Per Possession as the Hokies at 1.08 compared to 1.06. They get 70 possessions a game, slightly higher than the Hokies 66 so far this season. One major area of difference is in 3 point shooting, where the Hokies have an almost 10% edge (46-36) so look for the Hokies to take advantage from the outside. In most other statistical categories, these two teams seem pretty even.

I think the challenge tonight will be how these young Hokies fare being at a true road location for the first time this season. If they are able to work through it and shoot the ball the way they have done the last two games, then the Hokies could win by double digits. If they struggle, this game could get UGLY with Newbill having a superb night. I expect Buzz to have the kids ready for tonight's contest, with a good plan on limiting Newbill. The Hokies can not afford a second half mental lapse in this game like they managed to overcome in the previous two games. This game is very much a litmus test for the lower tier teams in our ACC slate so win or lose, hopefully Buzz learns where he needs to work with this team throughout the holidays to prep for conference play. The WVU game will likely be the test of what they have accomplished towards that end. I expect big games from JVZ and Mueller today that likely tip the difference in our favor.

Hokies win 75-67 in a game that is closer than it should be.

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I found TKP after two rails from TOTS then walking back to my apartment and re-watching the 2012 Sugar Bowl. I woke up the next day with this username.

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I found TKP after two rails from TOTS then walking back to my apartment and re-watching the 2012 Sugar Bowl. I woke up the next day with this username.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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I found TKP after two rails from TOTS then walking back to my apartment and re-watching the 2012 Sugar Bowl. I woke up the next day with this username.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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Outside it's night time, but inside it's LeDay

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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There's always a lighthouse. There's always a man. There's always a city.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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Not the bagman VT deserves, but the bagman VT needs right now.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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I found TKP after two rails from TOTS then walking back to my apartment and re-watching the 2012 Sugar Bowl. I woke up the next day with this username.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

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"It might be dark outside, but it's LeDay in here." - Jay Bilas

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"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

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I found TKP after two rails from TOTS then walking back to my apartment and re-watching the 2012 Sugar Bowl. I woke up the next day with this username.

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If it ain't orange, it better be maroon...and if it ain't maroon, it better be soon!

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"It might be dark outside, but it's LeDay in here." - Jay Bilas

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"Take care of the little things and the big things will come."

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Tweedy can run like a dadgum antelope or whatever. I like to use scalded dog. Do antelopes lumber? Cheetah, OK. He runs like a cheetah. He's fast. - Bud Foster

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Tweedy can run like a dadgum antelope or whatever. I like to use scalded dog. Do antelopes lumber? Cheetah, OK. He runs like a cheetah. He's fast. - Bud Foster

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Outside it's night time, but inside it's LeDay

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"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster