Looking to continue their success on the road in ACC play, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team faced a second-half deficit on the road on Saturday afternoon at Notre Dame. The Hokies struggled from behind the arc, but when it mattered, they were able to knock down some shots.
On the defensive end, they buckled down in the second half and allowed only eight Irish field goals, while Brendan Rechsteiner hit some key free throws down the stretch to allow the Hokies to leave South Bend with a, 65-63, win to improve to 6-7 in ACC play and 11-13 overall. Here are two truths and a lie as Mike Young and his team enjoy a bye this week before hosting Virginia next Saturday.
Truth: They don't ask how, they ask if you won
It wasn't pretty at times, but a win is a win for a Hokies team trying to avoid missing the ACC Tournament this season. Virginia Tech played much better second-half defense and forced the Irish into 17 turnovers in the game, while only turning it over themselves 12 times.
Virginia Tech overcame a dreadful shooting performance behind the arc that saw them go 6-for-31, but they got 24 bench points with Brendan Rechsteiner finishing with 12, including some key free throws down the stretch. Virginia Tech also got 10 points from Ben Burnham, including a key 3-pointer late in the game and a dunk off an offensive rebound. All in all, this is a nice road win for Mike Young's team.
Truth: Tobi Lawal was a major factor at both ends
At halftime, Tobi Lawal had four points and three rebounds. Notre Dame did a good job on him at both ends of the floor, but in the second half, he took over the game at both ends. He finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds for another double-double this season. He also added a pair of blocks.
Lawal scored a huge basket late in the game when the Hokies made their run with a dunk off an offensive rebound. On the defensive end, he altered some shots and got some huge rebounds off Irish misses. He continues to be a difference-maker for Virginia Tech.
Lie: Virginia Tech can't win away from Blacksburg
Listen, you can count me as someone who thought the Hokies wouldn't many ACC games after the struggles in the non-conference. They already have six conference wins and won their fourth road game this season. They have come at Florida State, California, Virginia, and now Notre Dame.
This is not only a new team, but it's a young one for the Hokies and they are growing quickly since the New Year. They have some tough road games coming up, but if they can take care of business in some of their remaining home games, then they will find themselves in Charlotte next month for the ACC Tournament.