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Virginia tech basketball gets marquee win vs UVA

By Thomas Hatcher

Jan 4, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Justin Bibbs (10) high fives guard Seth Allen (4) during the first half of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Justin Bibbs (10) high fives guard Seth Allen (4) during the first half of the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Well this wasn’t the first time I was wrong and it won’t be the last. I made the biggest mistake a writer can make by saying UVA would absolutely beat the Hokies, no “but”s about it and the Virginia Tech basketball team would prove me wrong. The fourth-ranked Cavaliers traveled to Blacksburg Monday and wouldn’t leave without another loss added to their previous one loss. A huge game from Zach LeDay would propel Tech to their 10th win of the season. He would contribute 22 points and 7 rebounds to the Hokie’s 70-68 win.

The Virginia Tech basketball team caught some breaks, without a doubt. UVA’s star forward, Anthony Gill put up 17, but was relatively subdued by Tech’s defense. Seth Allen hit two three-pointers, including a crucial one late in the game. A very questionable no-call also went the Hokie’s way late in the game, in which it looked like Gill was hacked on the way up to the basket.

Jan 4, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Zach LeDay (32) shoots against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Zach LeDay (32) shoots against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

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The bottom line is, this was the biggest win Tech will probably have this year. I’m using the word “probably” in order to avoid the same mistake mentioned above, because who knows what UNC or Miami or Louisville might be ranked when the Hokies take them on, but regardless, Buzz Williams and the team was pumped as they should have been.

The Cavaliers followed the loss to the Hokies with another loss to an unranked ACC opponent, Georgia Tech. While this does somewhat take away from the magnitude of Tech’s win, it also means that a win over Georgia Tech on the 16th would look better. Who knows how far the Wahoos are going to fall in the rankings. It will definitely be out of the top 1o. I’m not scared to definitively state that, but this will still be considered a marquee win for Buzz Williams and this Virginia Tech basketball team. I keep bringing up the hope for a winning record this season, and this win was a HUGE step in that direction.

Jan 4, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett reacts during the first half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett reacts during the first half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

I huge loss to Duke this afternoon was a bit of a step back, but going to Cameron Indoor is never easy, and it could be a nice wake up for the team to ground them a bit before facing three unranked ACC opponents, each of whom will be tough, but winnable games for the Hokies. Winning two of the three would be a success in my mind. Georgia Tech and Notre Dame will be the hardest of the three.

The Hokies next take on Wake Forest on Wednesday at 9:00 PM.

Go Hokies!

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