Mylyjael Poteat and the Hokies had a golden ticket against Duke at home on Monday but couldn't cash it in. (Jon Fleming)

A ho-hum first 20 minutes nearly ended on a high note for the Hokies against No. 7 Duke on Monday night. Virginia Tech clawed back from the brink of a blowout, cutting a 11-point deficit to three. Cassell Coliseum was ready to pop, the crowd just needing the slightest encouragement.