Collegiate Times

The unranked Virginia Tech men’s basketball team took on two top five teams in a mere seven days.  To the shock of many, the Hokies took them both down.

In the wake of a 69-67 overtime victory Saturday, Jan. 6, over the then No. 5 Duke University Blue Devils, the Hokies defeated the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels, 94-88.

Throughout, one person maintained confidence.

“I told the guys if they competed and really believed in each other and believed in what we were trying to do, they would have the chance to have 10,000 people rush the court,” said Head Coach Seth Greenberg.

Although their coach stressed belief, the players nonetheless reveled in the two victories.

“I don’t know too many teams that did that,” said Jamon Gordon, who ended both games with 17 points.  “Since I’ve been watching college basketball… not too many teams can say that, and I’m glad I can tell my kids about it, and my nieces and nephews.  It was a great win.”

With the victory, Tech moves to 3-0 in the conference and 13-4 overall, while UNC falls to 15-2 and 2-1 in the ACC.  The win marks the first time Tech has beaten Carolina in Blacksburg, and simultaneously breaks the Tar Heels 18-game win streak over the Hokies.

“It’s a great win for Virginia Tech Basketball,” Greenberg said.  “It shows growth in what we’re doing and how we’re doing it, and the direction we’re going.  (But) we’ve got to build on what we’re doing, and not be settled and say ‘it’s a good week for Virginia Tech Basketball.’”

Aggressive defense and offensive execution helped the Hokies triumph. Carolina had 17 turnovers compared to Tech’s 11, and the Hokies forced 14 steals to the Tar Heels’ seven.  The Hokies were also able to handle UNC’s sophomore all-American Tyler Hansbrough, holding him to 19 points

“Coleman Collins did a terrific job of making it hard for Hansbrough to catch the ball,” Greenberg said.  “The job he did defensively and doing the job early was magnificent.”

Offensively, the Hokies spread the scoring, with five players earning double digits.  Zabian Dowdell led with 23 points, followed by A.D. Vassallo and Gordon with 17, Collins with 12 and Nigel Munson with 10.

“It was just a great team win,” Greenberg said.  “And when I say team, I mean we had so many people  contribute, that’s kind of the pleasure of coaching.”

“Everybody was hitting shots, everybody,” said Gordon.  “When Tuck(er) hit a shot, we’re going to win, I don’t care what anyone says… When he hit that three… I jumped up and wanted to run out of the gym because I was so happy.”

Despite their offensive proficiency, Tech started the game sluggishly. Carolina gained momentum in the first few minutes of the first half, jumping to an early eight point-lead, 21-13.  But with a Greenberg timeout, the Hokies turned the tables and sent the Tar Heels reeling with a 17-0 run.  With eight minutes remaining in the half, Tech held a 30-21 lead.

The Hokies went into the locker room with a 47-37 advantage, but the second half saw that lead open up wide.

Deron Washington launched the attack with a two-handed slam dunk to the applause of the electric crowd.  With 11:28 on the clock, the Hokies held an 23-point advantage, 68-45.

“Honestly, I would just look up at the scoreboard and wonder how we got a twenty point lead,” said Vassallo.  “I mean, it was just incredible how they are the number one team in the nation… and we got that lead.”

Several Hokies were equally surprised.

“I looked up at the scoreboard, and I was kind of shocked,” said Gordon.

“I was like ‘please, please don’t get a lead and let them come back.’”
 
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened.

With three minutes remaining, UNC managed to cut the lead to 14.  A full court press proved difficult for the Hokies to handle, allowing the Tar Heels to reduce the difference to four with 38.2 seconds left.  Fortunately, late minute foul shots gave Tech the necessary boost.

“I think we got a bit passive at the end of the game,” said Dowdell.

“They came back and made some steals and got back in the game.”

“They looked like the Suns,” said Gordon.  “They were hitting threes everywhere. People were hitting threes who ain’t shoot threes, and making them. They are a great team.”

Regardless of the impressive win, the Hokies are gearing up for the next game. Tech takes on Florida State on Wednesday in Florida, a team Gordon says can not be overlooked.

“It was fun, but we have to enjoy the night, get over it and go to Tallahassee.”