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According the Virginia Tech Athletic Ticket Office, no more tickets are available for this evening’s National Invitation Tournament quarterfinal game between the Ole Miss Rebels and Virginia Tech Hokies.

While the box score is likely not to report 9,847 tickets distributed, no more are available. The reason for no 9,847 is that those allotted tickets, per NIT rules (Ole Miss, other officials—not the referees, etc.), may not purchase all tickets they have the option of gobbling up.

For those unable to purchase a ticket, the game can be seen on ESPN2 at 7 p.m.

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A few interesting points:

The last time the two teams played was in the NIT—VT won

VT is the only team outside the SEC or Memphis to draw a top-10 crowd at Ole Miss’ Tad Smith Coliseum

The LVSC has VT as an 8-point favorite in its opening line for Wednesday evening’s game. The Hokies also opened (-8) against UAB.

Energizer might have the bunny but the Hokies have the best fans in the ACC! You were our energizer bunny and with your continued support, we hope to keep going and going!

Thanks once again for creating a winning atmosphere in the Cassell. Every time I think it can’t get any better, you take it to another level! The Cassell rocks because you rock! Hokies don’t watch a game; Hokies are a part of the game! Some programs have the 6^th man, we have the whole Nation!

Once again, we are going to offer 3,000 free student tickets. If you are unable to get one on our dime, I hope you would invest $5 in your program. During the course of the season we have tried to challenge and motivate our players by defining how hard we would like them to play and compete. We have asked them for CBE (Career Best Effort), we have had each of them sign a contract on the responsibility and accountability needed to win at this level….. My challenge to you is simply show up early, be vocal and proud, as this is your team and program. Together we can do something special.

Thanks as always for making a difference!!!

Coach Greenberg

Electric is the only way to describe the atmosphere in the Cassell Wednesday night. If our players had a hangover (which they didn’t) from not being selected for the NCAA Tournament, then you were the aspirin. From the second the doors opened at 5:30 PM you could feel the energy, ownership, passion, and pride.

I told our players prior to the game that the playing environment would be the best they played in front of all season. You did not let me down! The Cassell was as LOUD as anytime I can remember. Whether it was cheering for an AD Vassallo jumper, a Hank Thorns no look pass, or a Lewis Witcher dunk you were with us! Thank you for once again making a difference!

Our next game is Monday night at 9:00 PM on ESPN vs. a very good UAB team. I am once again asking you to include us in your social calendar. If you are not one of the students to receive a free ticket I hope you buy a ticket on your own dime and help us get 40 minutes closer to New York. Thank you! As always we are in this together.

It’s A Great Day To Be A Hokie!!!

Go Hokies,

Coach Greenberg

Letter to the Students

By now you all know that Virginia Tech has been selected to participate in the 2008 NIT. While we are disappointed that we were not selected to the NCAA, that does not diminish what this team has accomplished this season. We had a great year and the NIT will allow us the opportunity to continue to play.

A number of teams that deserved the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament were left out due to the limited number of at-large bids available. We are not alone; it is hard to get into the NCAAs.

We need a good team effort on Wednesday night. The players, the coaches, the student body and the community need to come together to make this a special night.

As a thank you to all the students, I have gotten together with several of my friends and purchased 3,000 tickets that will be given free to students. After these tickets have been given out, all other students may purchase a ticket for just five dollars. All tickets will be general admission, so students will have the opportunity to get courtside seats for the game.

I hope we can get at least 5,000 students into the game. We need to create the best atmosphere so we can become the best team in the NIT. Our home crowds have been invaluable in this outstanding season. I hope to see everyone in the Cassell on Wednesday night. As I always say, we are in this together.

Seth Greenberg
Head Men’s Basketball Coach

The Hokies remain firmly on the bubble after their last-second loss to North Carolina Saturday. While some pundits don’t think Virginia Tech has done enough to merit a spot in the NCAA Tournament, others believe they’ll be happy with the outcome of Selection Sunday.

It’s really a coin flip as to whether Seth Greenberg’s team will be a No. 12 seed in the NCAA Tournament or a No. 1 in the NIT.

Greenberg made a thought-provoking point in his postgame press conference when he said it was absurd that people were debating IF the ACC, the nation’s No. 1 RPI conference, would get five teams.

The Hokies will have a few things working in their favor Sunday when the selection committee is deliberating:

The Hokies are 5-2 in their last 7 with the only losses coming by a total of 3 points to two top-20 teams playing in the ACC Tournament (UNC and Clemson)

Tech is 8-5 in its last 13

Tech is playing better going into Selection Sunday than are many other of their peers on the bubble

The ACC is the No. 1 RPI Conference

The Hokies have a good enough RPI and strength of schedule to get in