HOKIES HOOPS CENTRAL: DAYTON (5-4) AT VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (8-1) 8PM ACCN
Bring on the Flyers 😤➤ 80s Night: retro student giveaway, along with 80s music and contests➤ VT Club Jump Rope at halftime➤ Looking to move to 7-0 at home this season— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) December 7, 2022
December 7, 2022
Cassell Coliseum
8:00 p.m. ET
ACC Network
Virginia Tech Sports Network
TV Broadcast
ACC Network
Play-by-Play: Dave O'Brien
Analyst: Cory Alexander
Local Radio
Virginia Tech Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Zach Mackey
Analyst: Mike Burnop
Current Spread: Hokies -7.5
Over/Under: -127.5
Break the Wing....
The Hokies (29th in AP Poll/27th in Coaches Poll) look to continue their success at home by beating the Flyers. The Hokies are 8-7 against Dayton, looking to break a two game losing streak. The Hokies come off an ACC opening win over UNC.
The Flyers are coached by Anthony Grant, an alum that played for the Flyers from 1983-1987. He began his college coaching career at Stetson as an assistant coach in 1993. Dayton is his third college head coaching job, with Hokies fans familiar with his time at VCU and Alabama. He took over the Dayton position in 2017 after a stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder and has a 107-56 overall record guiding the Flyers and got his 300th win as a head coach in their win in their last game against Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday.
The Flyers come into this contest on a two-game winning streak. The Flyers losses are all against Power 5 opponents and all their wins against teams ranked 166th or lower in KenPom. The Flyers limp into this matchup with a very thin backcourt further reduced by injury. Starting guards Kobe Elvis and Malachi Smith are both expected to miss the foreseeable future according to Coach Grant. In their last game. Dayton went with five forwards for 89% of the total minutes.
This team does not have much depth so expect to see the starters on the floor more than 30 minutes each barring foul trouble. Grant counters the lack of depth by playing an incredibly slow style of basketball. They have held opponents to 59.8 points per game this season and only three teams have broken 70 points against the Flyers this season. This is a return to more the style Grant used early at Alabama and has not been the norm the last three seasons at Dayton but the coach is having to adapt to the roster he has. The Flyers were ranked 24th in the Preseason Rankings with their highest expectations in Grant's tenure but injuries have derailed those hopes a bit.
The tandem down low of Daron Holmes and transfer Toumani Kamara are the only reason this team has had the success it has, accounting for nearly half the teams points and rebounds. R. J. Blakney at 6'6" will e the shortest player on the court for Dayton so this will be a pretty unique roster challenge for the Hokies to counter.
Coach Grant defensively uses as an aggressive man-to-man defense, especially on the perimeter. Many times he extends the defense the entire floor to further slow opponents. The Flyers are holding opponents to only 38% shooting (26th Nationally) and only allow opponents to shoot 28% from the perimeter. They further complicate things for opponents by rarely fouling. Opponents average less than 15 attempts per game from the line.
Offensively, Coach Grant uses a motion offense but tweaked to account for the roster by looking to pass into the interior and operate from inside of six feet when possible. Dayton is a poor perimeter shooting team (27.6%) but shoots well in the paint (55.6%). They also are averaging almost 22 attempts per game from the line. Holmes averages five made free throws per game.
The Flyers Backcourt
Koby Brea (#4, SO, G, 6-6, 174) 2.0 Pts, 1.3 Reb, 0.0 Ast
Injured (Not expected to play)
Kobe Elvis (#24, SO, G, 6-2, 170) 10.1 Pts, 4.0 Reb, 3.0 Ast
Malachi Smith (#11, SO, G, 6-0, 170) 5.3 Pts, 4.5 Reb, 4.5 Ast
The Flyers Frontcourt
DaRon Holmes II (#15, SO, F, 6-10, 220) 15.9 Pts, 7.2 Reb, 1.9 Ast
Mustapha Amzil (#22, SO, F, 6-10, 220) 11.1 Pts, 4.8 Reb, 1.3 Ast
Toumani Camara (#2, JR, F, 6-8, 220) 11.0 Pts, 9.3 Reb, 2.0 Ast
Mike Sharavjamts (#55, FR, F, 6-8, 180) 8.3 Pts, 2.0 Reb, 3.0 Ast
R.J. Blakney (#23, SO, F, 6-6, 195) 6.8 Pts, 2.7 Reb, 1.2 Ast
What to expect from Dayton?
As a team the Flyers focus on getting the ball inside to score or go to the line. This is much the same as UNC but with healthy bigs underneath with a bit more size than the Tar Heels. Most of the game barring foul trouble will see two 6'8ers and two 6'10ers rotating around the court. They average 34 points in the paint and 15 points at the line accounting for 63% of their total points.
The Flyers want the pace of this game to crawl to help keep their thin bench fresh enough to steal wins in a low scoring slugfest. To give you an idea of the type of game to expect, their loss to Wisconsin was a 43-42 final score. Dayton counts on being able to out-muscle and bully teams inside. The big flaw here is they struggle with turnovers and sticking to faster guards defensively.
Turnovers are almost 15 per game, and nearly 18 in their losses. Dayton opponents have converted these turnovers into almost 19 points per game. In their losses, points off turnovers account for nearly a quarter of an opponent's total.
Rebounding has been consistently in Dayton's favor this season. NC State is the only opponent to outrebound the Flyers this season. This leads to limited second chance points for opponents. It also has given Dayton double-digit second possessions in six out of nine games this season.
The Hokies
The Hokies need to speed up play and take advantage of converting turnovers into fast points. The Hokies guards need to run these bigs ragged and Coach Young should look to go 5 deep on the bench to constantly have fresh legs on the court. This would require the Hokies bench to contribute offensively though which may limit this strategy.
Dayton gets frustrated by this style of play. The Hokies will need to be even more vigilant with their interior defensive improvements over the last two games. Holding Dayton below 50% from the floor would almost guarantee a victory.
Similar to UNC, working the ball inside puts Dayton at its biggest risk by potentially forcing them into using their bench due to foul trouble. The ability for this roster to beat the Flyers on the dribble or by getting separation on cuts to get open perimeter looks should give the Hokies another opportunity to separate themselves.
Tech only needs to hit their average from outside (36%) to create another ten to twelve-point advantage. Dayton does excel in blocks on the perimeter simply from the average height difference which makes it critical the Hokies use motion to create space.
Highlight of the UNC game
El Niño 🌀🏆🫡 Best player on the court Sunday🫡 Best player in the ACC last week🏆 https://t.co/wYsP3NfpLX pic.twitter.com/dnE1F0NsHK— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) December 5, 2022
Butts for Mutts
In Closing
The Hokies looked good down low the last two games. This opponent though proves a bigger challenge inside so Mutts and Basile must be able to use their mobility and ability to create a shot with their back to the basket to adjust the defensive position of the Dayton forwards.
Dayton would be happy if this game looked like it was being played in amber. The Hokies need to create sprint opportunities and convert turnovers. The free throw differential may be nearly as bad as the UNC game in this contest so the Hokies have to counter this where they can.
Sean Pedulla, Hunter Cattoor and three other Hokies will be in double-digits and the Hokies break that 70-point plateau to lock in a 9-1 start. Hokies win 73-61.
Comments
Let's go!
We traditionally don't see the Hokies use much extended press, but it seems like this is the team to do that against if we have more depth and they're guard limited. Go Hokies!
This is a great point. I can't remember the last time Tech played press D. Doing so, could be the disrupter move that sets our tone for the remainder of the season. Imagine every opponent having to prep for the Hokies blistering extended press D that comes out guns-a-blazen at the start of the 2H.
Any chance we could see Rice suit up for this game? Seems like he's been one week out all season. Would be nice to have some additional depth and athleticism at point, particularly if he can drive and attach the basket which we've seem to be missing a bit.
I thought I had seen he was not going to be available until January, but I can't remember the source. I'll rely on someone with more connections to confirm.
No connections, just Coach MY on TTL I think it was last week? Don't have the quote in front of me (TSL does transcripts of TTL for free every week btw), but essentially sounded like he wouldn't be cleared for normal practice/contact until closer to christmas, making everyone assume January as the most likely time.
This is correct
We always seem to have issues with the full court press. It sounds like this game will be nothing but, they need to learn to get the ball up the field quickly.
As stated, Dayton might have four losses but they were to good teams.
Has the same Thought reading this; we always look unsure and make sloppy passes when full court pressed. I hope this was practiced extensively this week leading up to the game
Watched them play NC State in the Bahamas. Good squad, better than their record. Will be a tough challenge for sure tonight
They lost both guards during their game against BYU (after NC State) so will be a bigger less agile look tonight. Kobe Elvis hurt his knee and Malachi Smith his ankle. Both were still on crutches at their last game.
As everyone on here is well aware, Dayton will play its best game since they wiped us off the court in Maui and shoot 60% from 3. Hopefully the good guys can keep it close. I fucking hate Dayton hoops - especially their fans.
In Maui they had a guy named Obi Toppin that has been playing with the Knicks since 2020. I don't put it past them to have some bench player shoot 65% tonight, but neither team is really the same from that Maui tourney. Feels like yesterday, but unfortunately, it wasn't.
The squad at Maui was loaded with capable perimeter shooters. They shot 37% as a team but more focused, the guards shot nearly 41% from outside. None of those guards are on this roster.
This roster the only two that appear capable outside are Amzil (38%) and Sharavjamts (37%) but they only average 8 attempts per game combined and much less in their losses.
We can't afford to lose this game. Dayton gets credit for losing because the A 10 games the system, but VT does not. I hope we smoke them- we should, theoretically
Curious how you think the A-10 "games the system?" A-10 hasn't been anything more than a 2, sometimes 3, bid-league in 10 years. Dayton was left out of the dance last year despite being 14-4 and second in the A-10.
I didn't watch. Did they keep it close?
Do I get to choose the 'retro student" I get? There are several from my years there I'd gladly choose /s
Bracketology Update:
Men's Team: 7 seed in top bracket
Women's Team: 2 seed in top bracket.
Uniforms tonight are so sleek.
https://fb.watch/hgQjTEwBwt/?mibextid=NnVzG8
DAYUM. Those are nice.
Uniforms look green to me when the catch the lights on the court. Not a fan at all
So I stand corrected here. I do like the unis but not as much as I initially did now that I see them in action. I had hoped they would look as good as the Lady Hokies, but they don't.
Unfortunately my crew couldn't make this one so the wife and I are watching the Lady Hokies now and Men's squad later from the living room. Let's go Hokies!
Edit: I posted this in the ticket thread but I'll post it again here too if it's allowed: I've got four tickets to the Dayton game if anyone wants them for free. mhagy [at] vt.edu
11 consecutive baskets made by the Hokies against BC going back to the 2nd Quarter.
Game time Get Poppin
Maddox needed to drive there
2 damn blow bys against Basile so far. He's a real liability in D
Lot of slop on both sides. Hopefully we can get that sorted out soon
This is not good early
Defense looks rough so far; Maddox still ice cold and a funky release
This gonna get ugly quick if the guys aren't interested in defending.
6 offensive rebounds allowed already
Sit Basile. Put in Kidd or poteat and body these guys hard early. Take a couple of fouls but send a message. We cannot afford to be bullied by Dayton at their rim.
This aged poorly. Glad he picked it up!
Yup. Crow tastes good when you're winning.
Best tasting meal you can have when bank error is in your favor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NySWw1U_1QY
Didn't see either foul on mutts wtf
Pedulla so smooth
Man if we could just get some D to go with basiles O.....
Did you know Pedulla was one of 19 kids? And that Bucky Hodges is 7'31"
Or Jarrett Boykin wore XXXXXL gloves?
That is correct
Or that Mutts is working on his 4th degree.
LOOK AT THE KIDD coming in getting a block, rebounding, and popping a jumper
Good minutes from Kidd there with El Nino on the bench
PEDULLA balls!
HE'S ON FIRE
Basile likes the black unis
Gotta give Basile credit...Killin it on O....
Reading slowly through the comments, I'm glad you're even keel on him. Give credit where it is due, but are also questioning when his play is off. It seems like he starts slow in games, but the defense if bothersome when I'm able to catch games.
Maddox can't find the groove.
I all for allowing Maddox to keep shooting. Get all those misses out so when we get deep into the season they are all gone!
Isn't that how it works??
This aged well!
Basilly is Silly
No...he's Zilly
Great possessions back to back by Maddox, drives the ball and gets a bucket, then finds Basile through a double team with a dime for an easy dunk
Basilly is Silly Part Deux
Loving Basile's O while mutts is sitting. He's Killin it. But why can't he move like that last dunk when he's on D? Serious question.......not trying to pick on him.
As soon as I say that he makes a great play on D.
And I didn't scroll down far enough to my previous comment. I'll drink and leg.
All good!
Basilly is single handedly out producing all of Dayton.
PUHHHHHHHHH-DUULLLLL-AHHHH
Mad Ox might be figuring it out.
Pedulla is playing like a stud. Basile dominating. Mike Young went full "Jay Wright"
This team is good
Maddox with the hustle play. Won't get the assist but that bucket was because of him
42-21 at half, Basile with 20 pts and 6 rebs! Lynn Kidd deputized well after Mutts sat with two fouls
Kidd continues to impress. Not always flashy, but solid on both ends.
"ENCOURAGE" Away coach
Think about how many players were involved with that 1H performance. Most of it was with Mutts on the bench. A slew of players contributed when it was their turn even while Basilly is playing like Half Man Half Amazing. Even Poteat who played the least of the bigs was strong on D using his size to stymie Dayton's paint production.
EDIT: And THE KIDD ain't kidding around
Dammit, Dayton is beating Basile 20-21 at the half
So do we come out this half with the mutts post up offense to switch up dayton?
Apparently Maddox just needs to beat a buzzer for a 3 to go in
Best thing about this team, when top man is on bench or having a rough night the next top man steps up
I love that they keep showing the "Ho Ho Holy Shit I need a beer" kid
Very choppy second half, lots of whistles. Pedulla in foul trouble threw off our groove and I haven't seen Basile?
Yeah this is the point in the game where it feels like we're playing with our food instead of cooking it. Keep feeding basille down low, good smart shots. Let's end em.
The fouls have been weird, allowing all contact down low and have been surprised none of these shot blocks have been called foul, yet watching Pedulla walking through a moving screen and he gets called foul for hooking?
Yeah the zebras definitely seem to have dayton tinted glasses on tonight.
did anyone else catch the announcer saying he used to coach Maddox when he was younger? This was following the dive the floor by Maddox to force a jump ball.
speaking of Maddox, you can see the hustle and effort, but at the same time he looks a half step slow. He's just not in his groove yet this season.
The play by play for Hokies basketball radio coverage is excellent. Very Joel Meyers or Don Criqui style delivery and great pacing.
CATTOOOOORRRRRR I DIDNT KNOW HE COULD DUNK
Did it against UNC
CATTOR JUST LEVELED UP TO A CHARIZARD
Holy shit, Cattoor
Pedulla is probably the most underrated player in the ACC
Haven't seen much press until now. Have to assume the shortened bench forced Dayton away from this staple of their defense.
I know we are up by a lot but the ref's calls and non-calls are ridiculous
Smells like TV Teddy trying to make it interesting.
Yeah the foul count is just a little lopsided, lol.
Basile got bailed out by a call on that dunk attempt.. replay looks like it was a clean block, but they can't take the foul back so he's shooting 2
I don't claim to be an expert, but every game of basketball I've ever watched or been in, when the defender leaves his feet, and knocks the attacker on his ass, its a defensive foul.
I didn't see any contact on the replay... Basile got knocked down because the block was so strong it completely stopped the balls movement, so his body swung like a pendulum below it.
Looked bad in real time, bad enough they reviewed for a flagrant, but watching the replay it looked like a clean block
Agree
Looking at some of the other scores.... Clemson in a tight one with Towson and Miami beating Cornell 107-105....
ACC might be kinda ass in the second half of the standings this year.
Dang man. That serial DV following you around is ruthless. Leg.
To be fair to the Dayton player, the refs have been leaving the whistle in the pocket for all the muggings at the rim up to this point. Who could have guessed that finally gets called?
Basile with a double double now, 23 and 10
Why are all the starters still in the game at this point? No need to risk it in my opinion
Collins can JUMP
Pity foul for falling on his face
Good W
DUNK CITY FAM
Random question, but does the "redshirt means playing in less than 4 games" thing apply to basketball too? Because I see where Grant Basile only played in 3 games in the 18-19 season and want him to return next year lol
I think there is no leeway in basketball, you play in a game, you burn the shirt
Yeah no leeway in basketball right now. I think the A10 is trying to get that changed so there is something similar to football.
Unless you get the medical redshirt. I'm assuming it would be too late to apply for that, though.
Man completely dominating a good but clearly outmatched team feels so good.
Defense was a little odd to start but let's face it, the team was playing against 5 Forwards. They aren't used to that.
I was surprised at the lack of pressure for 3/4 of the game. Maddox is at least hitting inside better, but his three point shot has been off for a while now. It was nice to see Basile ball out and for the bench crew to gets some minutes, steals, rebounds and points at the very end.
I was surprised by a Mongolian basketball player in Dayton, Ohio.
5 of the normal rotation players for Dayton are international.
Mongolia, Canada, Belgium, Finland and the African NBA Academy