Nearly a double-digit underdog entering Saturday night's home contest against Clemson, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team was looking to give head coach Mike Young career victory No. 400. However, the Tigers had other ideas.
Clemson showed why they are one of the top three teams in the ACC this season as they built a double-digit second half, only to have the Hokies go a run to cut the deficit to four points, but as good teams do, the Tigers responded. Down the stretch, Clemson got stops on defense and got better shots on the offensive along with multiple trips to the foul line to leave Blacksburg with a 72-57 victory. Here are two truths and a lie after the Hokies fell to 8-12 overall this season and 3-6 in the ACC.
Truth: There is no quit in the Hokies this season
We all knew it was going to be a long year for Young and the Hokies, especially after starting 5-6 in the non-conference. However, since the first of the year, Virginia Tech has shown a lot of heart and playing much better despite the results. That was the case against the Tigers.
Down 17 points in the second half, the Hokies turned up the defense and cut the deficit down to four at 49-45, but Clemson ended their scoring drought with a pair of free throws and a 3-pointer to restore order. Down double-digits earlier this month against North Carolina State, Tech put together a run to stun the Wolfpack for a three-point win.
Truth: Virginia Tech missed a ton of free throws
A team like Virginia Tech has very little wiggle room for error this season in any game. Against Clemson, the Hokies were just 12-for-21 from the free-throw line, with Tobi Lawal, who led Virginia Tech with 14 points, missing six of his. eight attempts.
I know, the missed free throws had no impact on the final result, however, there were some key missed free throws in the second half as the Hokies were making their run that could have made it tighter for Clemson. Again, it didn't affect the outcome, but in a much closer game down the stretch, missed free throws could be the difference between a win and a loss.
Lie: Clemson was in danger of being upset
When the Hokies cut the deficit to four on a Ben Burnham basket, it was the closest Virginia Tech had been since the first half. However, Clemson is a top team in the ACC for a reason and they responded the way good teams do, they stop the run and build on their lead. They closed the game on a 23-14 run and picked up the defense, forcing turnovers and shooting the ball better.
Virginia Tech hits the road this week for a game at Florida State on Wednesday night before a trip to Charlottesville next Saturday for the first of two matchups with Virginia.