Virginia Tech played well defensively against Miami, but they couldn't get enough going offensively to challenge the Canes in a 65-49 loss on Thursday night. Tech dropped to 13-11 and 2-7 in the ACC, while Miami improved to 15-7 and 6-3 in league play.
The Hokies played well defensively for the most part, limiting Miami to just 41.4% from the field. They even outrebounded the bigger Hurricanes 40-32, and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds in the process.
However, Tech's halfcourt offense was their undoing once again. Erick Green scored 17 points, but no other Hokie managed double figures. Tech shot just 35.2% from the field and committed 17 critical turnovers.
Dorenzo Hudson had eight points and five assists off the bench, while Jarell Eddie and Victor Davila had six points each. However, all six of Eddie's points came late in the game when the outcome was already decided. Dorian Finney-Smith added four points and eight rebounds for the Hokies.
Tech trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half, but did manage to stage a rally after switching to a 1-3-1 zone. Dorian Finney-Smith came up with a breakaway layup out of the 1-3-1 that cut the lead to 47-42 at the 7:58 mark, but that was as close as the Hokies got. Miami responded with a three-pointer, and took control of the game in the closing minutes.
This was a strange game in which the officials let both teams play. The Hokies were called for only 13 fouls in 40 minutes, while Miami was called for just seven. The Canes only had one foul called on them in the first half, and three in the first 25 minutes of the game. In the end, Miami had more size and experience, and the Hokies were too ineffective in their halfcourt offense.
Tech returns to action on Sunday when they host Boston College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6pm, and the game will be televised by ESPNU.
Box Score