Collegiate Times

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While trying to put Maryland’s team in afoul trouble, the Hokies must also keep their own key players out of it in order to keep the game competitive.

Hokies’ forward Jeff Allen will have his work cut out for him, battling with Landon Milboune, who has shown that he can hit the mid-range jumper.

Expect a battle between Allen and Maryland’s Milbourne underneath.

“We’ve got to figure out how we’re going to block and contain (them),” said Greenberg. “It is going to be a physical game.”

Allen must have help inside and remain composed in order to stay in the game and stay out of the constant foul trouble that has plagued him thus far in ACC play.

Both teams struggle with their rebounding, so look for a decent number of second-chance opportunities on both sides of the court.

Finally comes Maryland star guard Greivis Vasquez. Hated by many, loved by few, Vasquez is the face of this Maryland team.

The Terps’ senior controls the tempo and while he has the ability to score well into double figures, he also consistently posts high assist numbers. Frustrating Vasquez will frustrate Maryland and above all, could be Tech’s most important duty come Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s game might be Tech’s biggest matchup on its remaining schedule. In need of another top-50 RPI win to secure its tournament bid, a win over Maryland would be huge for its postseason hopes.

One thing that rests in the Hokies’ favor is their home-court record of 14-0. With only two home games to go in the regular season, this game means a lot in terms of pride and NCAA tournament possibilities.

“If you look around the league, I don’t think there’s many places you can go and say there’s not a home court advantage,” said Maryland Coach Gary Williams. “You look at Virginia Tech now ... that’s a very tough place to play when it’s rocking in there.

Tech will welcome the Terrapins Saturday at 4 p.m. in Cassel Coliseum and fans are encouraged to participate in the White Out theme. The game will be televised locally on Raycom Sports.

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A version of this article appeared in the Feb 26 issue of the Collegiate Times.