After playing some really good basketball over the last six weeks, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team began a stretch of winnable games this week, at Boston College on Tuesday night and at Miami on Saturday night. We found out quickly in Chesnut Hill that records mean nothing in college basketball.
Virginia Tech played the worst 20 minutes of basketball in the first half, scoring just 11 points, and committing 11 turnovers against a Boston College team that entered the game 2-12. The second half wasn't much better with the Eagles outscoring them 28-25 en route to a victory. Here are two truths and a lie after another Hokies loss.
Truth: This type of game will force Mike Young into retirement
There are some questions as to what the future holds for head coach Mike Young, but on a recent episode of ACC PM, the veteran didn't sound like someone who was done coaching despite the season his team was having. Performances like Tuesday night's might change his mind.
In the opening half, Virginia Tech went 5-for-25 from the field, 1-for-8 from behind the arc, and had as many turnovers, 11, as points. BC was better, but not much. They made one of their 10 3-point attempts. They went 9:12 without any points, which is unheard of. The second half started better, but another scoring drought saw the Eagles balloon to 17 and it was over.
Again, this type of game would drive anyone into retirement and no one would blame Young.
Truth: Virginia Tech played with no energy
The Hokies were flat from the opening tip. Was it the 9 p.m. start or was it the 73 people in attendance that made it feel like they were playing in a YMCA gym? Whatever it was, Virginia Tech played with no emotion, walking through their offensive sets, chucking shots and not even looking to get the ball inside.
Sure, you can credit Boston College, but the ball wasn't moving, players were standing around, and defensively, Chad Venning had his way inside on the offensive for BC with eight points. After a spurt to begin the second half, the Hokies quickly reverted back to their flatways, turning the ball over, missing free throws, and chucking 3s contested. Just a flat-out lifeless performance.
Lie: Virginia Tech is a lock for the ACC Tournament
Normally this would be true, but with this team, anything is possible. However, next up is a trip to Miami to play the Hurricanes who also have two conference wins. The Hokies needed a layup and free throw from Mylyjael Poteat with 1.2 seconds left to win by a point in January.
Six wins should be enough to clinch a spot in the top 15, but the schedule after Miami gets difficult with games against Louisville, North Carolina, and Clemson. There are no sure wins left on the schedule.