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Hokies Basketball: Virginia Tech at Wake Forest Prediction

By Tim Thomas

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Jan 27, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Adam Smith (3) is hugged by guard Will Johnston (25) after Smith made the game winning basket in overtime at Cassell Coliseum. Virginia Tech defeated Pittsburgh 70-67. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies picked up their first ACC win of the Buzz Williams era this past week as they defeated the Pittsburgh 70-67 in overtime in what was a thrilling game. Adam Smith was clutch in this game with a three with 0.7 seconds left to force overtime, and another one with 3.6 seconds left to win the game.

Today, the Hokies take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons as both teams look to win their second ACC game of the season.

There is a decent chance that Justin Bibbs will make his return for the Hokies today which would be a big boost. However, the Hokies have the talent to win this game even if Bibbs is unable to play which seems likely.

This seems like a game of mismatches as Wake Forest is definitely stronger in the frontcourt, but the Hokies are clearly the better team in the backcourt.

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Wake Forest is led by dominant big man Devin Thomas who is averaging 13.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 28.5 minutes per game. Thomas is 6’9” and it would not surprise me if Christian Beyer is used against him a lot in this game.

Beyer brings the energy and toughness that can allow him to make a difference in the frontcourt, and I expect he will get a lot of playing time in this game. Satchel Pierce is slowly starting to improve, and can somewhat hold his own against Thomas.

Thomas will do some damage in the frontcourt, but the Hokies will prevent him from having a huge game.

Adam Smith had the best game of his career against Pittsburgh with 26 points and the game-winning three with 3.6 seconds left in overtime. Smith is the Hokies’ best three-pointer shooter that will definitely play against the Demon Deacons shooting 44.3% from beyond the arc.

Smith is currently playing with a lot of confidence, and expect the junior guard to be ready to have another big game. Smith has the talent to go for about 20 points today, and his shooting will cause Wake Forest a lot of problems in this game.

Malik Muller had the best game of his collegiate career with 22 points against Pittsburgh and while I don’t expect Muller to have that big of a game today, I expect the redshirt freshman will put up 12-15 points. Muller will also provide some great defense and can help the Hokies contain Wake Forest’s leading scorer Codi Miller-McIntyre.

Right now, our prediction is assuming that the Hokies will not have Justin Bibbs, but Virginia Tech has a great chance to win without their leading scorer. Adam Smith will have a big game, and the post production of Devin Thomas won’t be enough for Wake Forest as the Hokies win 65-61.

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