Virginia Tech hits the road for huge ACC matchup at Pittsburgh

Just when they appear to be out of the NCAA Tournament picture, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team put themselves back into the conversation. After dropping four out of five games, the Hokies returned home Monday night and blowout in-state rival Virginia, 75-41, in the second Commonwealth Clash.

The victory has put them near the bubble, thanks to their No. 51 NET ranking. Take that however way you would like. Five games are remaining in the regular season for the Hokies ahead of the ACC Tournament next month and they do still have some chances for some big wins. The first one of is Saturday night at Pittsburgh.

Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh, How to Watch, Preview

This game will be begin at 5:30 p.m. and be broadcast on the CW Network and streamed on FuboTV.

Going into the matchup with the Cavaliers, it was clear what Virginia Tech's game plan was, pound the ball inside. That they did. Lynn Kidd had 14 points and seven rebounds, while Mylyjael Poteat had 11 points off the bench. Tyler Nickel came off the bench and in 27 minutes scored 13 points and dishing out six assists. The Hokies' top two guards, Sean Pedulla and Hunter Cattoor, had eight and six points respectively.

Pittsburgh had been one of the hottest teams in the conference with four straight wins, including road wins at North Carolina State and Virginia, before going to Wake Forest and getting beaten down by the Demon Deacons, 91-58, Tuesday night. This season, Jeff Capel's team is 10-5 at home, while Mike Young's team is just 1-7 away from Blacksburg. Not a stat that is in the Hokies' favor.

If Virginia Tech has visions of making a run and surprising a lot of people by getting into the NCAA Tournament as an at-large team, winning on the road is a must. Saturday at Pittsburgh and next Tuesday at Syracuse are two big chances. Until they can prove otherwise, expect the Hokies road woes to continue against a Pitt team coming off an embarrassing loss earlier this week.