A return to network television will not be kind to the Hokies. NC State provides a challenge that the current state of the Hokies is probably not capable of handling. The weight of the 17 game road losing streak, the 2-11 ACC record and just the wear and tear of always being Don Quixote night after night all come into play tonight.
Television
ESPN2 - Dave Lamont & Jim Calhoun
Radio
Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network - Bill Roth & Mike Burnop
Also available on:
Satellite: Sirius: 84 XM: 84
(NC State broadcast)
Digital: Hokies Xtra & TuneIn
The Hokies face the Wolfpack, who are sitting on the knife's edge of postseason play. If they can make a serious push to win their remaining games they guarantee an NIT berth and move themselves to the bubble for the NCAA, but if they lose to Tech, that path is likely over. Expect the Wolfpack to come out well rested after a week off, and focused on beating the Hokies.
As for who to watch for, the Wolfpack is led by Trevor Lacey (#1), a 6'3, 210 lbs guard that transferred in after graduating from Alabama last year. He has made an instant impact, providing 16.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 3.4 apg. He also hits 42% from beyond the arc. Lacey will also be back next season, after redshirting at Alabama left him with two years of eligibility.
Second to focus on is Ralston Turner, (#22) a 6'5, 205 lbs senior guard who transferred in from LSU. He is scoring 12.6 ppg, along with 3.1 rpg. Turner also shoots 37% from outside.
Third guard on the floor for the Wolfpack is Anthony Barber (#12), a 6'2, 185 lbs sophomore who is giving his team 11.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, and 3.8 apg. He shoots 37% from three point land as well. A trio of guards that drain three's all day is a prescription for worst case scenario unless Buzz changes up the defensive strategy for this game. Tech has to cover the arc or it will be a bloodbath out there, as we have seen too many times this season, where the Hokies allow open shooters from outside again and again.
Kyle Washington, a 6'9, 230 lbs sophomore Forward, provides the man inside for NC State. He averages 7.4 ppg and 4.7 rpg.
He is joined by the Martin twins, Cody and Caleb, freshmen forwards that while not consistent contributors so far, are two that Tech will have to be aware of for years as they can provide a big spark for the Wolfpack. So far that spark is about 8 points and 6 rebounds per game combined but it comes in spurts so they could be the surprise of the night tonight.
Another great outside shooting team....
Unfortunately I anticipate another loss, unless Tech takes the ball to the rim consistently all night and scores. NC State does not have big bodies and Henry and Beyer should be able to contribute down low. They need to realize that this is a game where they dont need to focus on defending the lane but rather protect the outside and force the Wolfpack to try to win the game in the lane.
Wolfpack 73 - Hokies 67
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