Tech comes into this game on a string of tough losses, but with some pretty solid work on the defensive end of the floor. Tech is holding opponents 11 points under their average over the last six games. The major flaw on the defensive end that we have discussed in length are the Offensive rebounds given up. This has been giving opponents anywhere from 8 to 15 points a game.
Tech's major problems now lie on the offensive end of the court, between turnovers (allowing opponents 12 to 18 points a game) and the inability of this young team to consistently find a good shot. See my other writeup for more details about our offensive woes. The scoring droughts were a significant eye opener for me when I read more about the frequency and duration.
Tech should have one goal in this game and that is to pound the basketball inside. Maryland's big men have a hard time staying out of foul trouble and give up quite a few baskets in the paint on top of that. If Tech can drive the ball with Wilson and have Barksdale and JVZ contribute about 8-10 points each, Tech should be able to win this game.
Maryland comes into this game having lost four of their last five games, including a heartbreaking 77-73 double overtime loss to Clemson on Sunday. The Terps may have a significant hangover coming out of that game so its a good time for the Hokies to pounce early and get another win. Maryland also has not been a really solid shooting team, shooting 43% on the season, so with Tech's pressure 2-3 Zone, the Terps could be held to below 35% on the night. If that's the case, the Hokies should be in great position to win this game.
Another nice side note, if Tech can beat Maryland, it assures they leave the ACC with a losing conference record.
My prediction is that Tech wins this game 61-54 having to withstand a late Maryland come back of possibly double digits.
Comments
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.
Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.