Losers of two out of their last three going into Saturday afternoon's ACC battle against North Carolina State in Raleigh, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team was looking for a win that would help them in their quest to make the NCAA Tournament.
After having a week off, the Hokies started slow against a Wolfpack team that had won five in a row going into the game and was down by 12 points at halftime. They recovered to cut the deficit to three points in the second half, but every time Virginia Tech made a run, NC State answered. In the end, the Hokies suffered an 82-73 loss that put their NCAA Tournament hopes in trouble.
Virginia Tech fell to 16-8 overall and 5-6 in the ACC with the setback, but they have a daunting road schedule remaining the rest of the season. They have games at Clemson, Miami, North Carolina and Virginia. You would have to think that they need to win two of those to have a chance. After the game on Saturday, NC State coach Will Wade had a quote that should give Hokies' fans hope the rest of the season.
NC State coach Will Wade believes Virginia Tech will find a way into the NCAA Tournament
After the nine-point win for the Wolfpack, head coach Will Wade believes that despite their struggles, the Hokies will find a way into the NCAA Tournament. That might be a kind take and reflect more on how much he respects Mike Young than anything else. Regardless, Wade thinks they find a way.
"But, look, they're a very good team,'' said Wade. "They're going to make the NCAA tournament. They're a very good team. They're going to find a way to make the NCAA tournament.''
Based on Joe Lunardi's latest bracketology at ESPN going into the weekend, Virginia Tech was part of the "First Four Out", but is sliding off that list. Virginia Tech hits the road to visit Clemson on Wednesday night as they look to avoid going two games below .500 in the ACC. Right now, it doesn't feel like Virginia Tech is an NCAA Tournament team.