Collegiate Times

Hokies forward Jeff Allen takes it to the basket during Wednesday's 71-59 victory over NC State.

Wolfpack head coach Sidney Lowe had his team ready to fight back, however. Tech saw its nine-point lead evaporate to a two-point lead quickly in the second half, as part of a 10-3 Wolfpack run.

Shortly thereafter, though, Delaney made his presence known and converted three consecutive three-pointers to swell the lead to 11.

“I’m starting to get my legs back,” Delaney said. “I’m healthy. I’m feeling a lot better than I was. I’m still a little sore, but I’m getting my legs back now. My body is starting to recover. Hopefully that will lead to more shots.”

Delaney’s streak contributed to a 17-6 tear by the Hokies and with 9:22 left, the Hokies carried a 51-38 lead.

Tech was able to withstand every ensuing NC State charge and earn the victory. It was an important win that ended Tech’s three-game losing streak.

Seniors Lewis Witcher and Paul Debnam celebrated their final home game as Hokies. Both received slots in the starting lineup. With chants of “Lew” from the crowd, Witcher contributed four points and four rebounds on the night.

“Definitely this game right here helped me boost my confidence,” Witcher said. “It helped make me feel good about myself. I know I’ve had some adversity with not playing as much as I wanted, but I just kept working hard and kept doing the things I do. Now I guess it’s showing that the hard work is paying off, and that’s the biggest thing.”

“I told the guys when we came back in the locker room to give Lewis Witcher a lasting memory,” Greenberg said.  “He’s going to have a lasting memory of this game tonight.  His career might not have been everything he wanted it to be, but he’s going to remember tonight.”
The crowd also called for a final bow from Debnam at the end of the game. He drew a foul and made one of two free throws to close out his college career.

The Hokies will travel to Georgia Tech to close out the regular season on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be televised locally on Raycom Sports.

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A version of this article appeared in the Mar 4 issue of the Collegiate Times.