“I just think that we had pretty good energy,” Purnell continued. “We were fundamentally sound, we understood and utilized our game preparation, our scouting — the way that you’re supposed to, to give yourself an edge.”
The Hokies have done a fine job handling the press thus far this season, though they haven’t seen anything like what Clemson will bring to the table.
If the Hokies even want to compete, they are going to need guards and small forwards like Erick Green, Dorenzo Hudson, and J.T. Thompson to help get the ball past half court.
On the defensive end, those quicker players will need to make a difference as well.
Greenberg said the Hokies continue to work on their transition defense, which will be key in a faster-paced game against the Tigers.
“I think that we’re doing a better job of outnumbering the ball, we’re doing a better job of containing the basketball,” Greenberg said.
“We just can’t turn it over. Obviously, it’s hard to defend a turnover. You know, we’ve got to be strong with the ball and stay lower and work to get open. If we take care of the ball, I think our transition defense will be fine.”
There are many more matchups and aspects to this game, as there are to every other one, but the outcome will swing on the following: If the Hokies can beat the press, stop Booker inside and have Delaney go off, then Tech will win the game.
If they can’t, the Tigers will walk out of Blacksburg with the win and the Hokies will be in a worse position than they have been in all year to achieve their goals.
If Tech has any shot at making it to the NCAA National Tournament, its season may hinge on the outcome of this game.
It may seem like a large amount of pressure to put on one game, but with the ACC as weak as it is, it may take nine or 10 victories within the conference to impress the selection committee.
Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. Saturday in Cassell Coliseum and the game will be televised on Raycom Sports.
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A version of this article appeared in the Feb 5 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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we played clemson twice last year! we split the series.
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