It didn't look pretty for the Hokies early, as Tech only made three of its first 13 shot attempts. This could have been attributed to a different starting lineup with Lewis Witcher and Paul Debnam starting instead of Terrell Bell and Victor Davila, but the regulars were ice cold as well. Thankfully, the Hokies heated up by hitting 21 of their final 40 shots to end the game, and were never really in any danger.

Seeing the most playing time he had all year, Lewis Witcher had a great game by his standards. The senior from Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount grabbed four rebounds, three on the offensive end, and scored two put-backs for four points in his final regular season game at home. More importantly, though, was his shut-down defense against State's Tracy Smith in the second half, limiting the star to 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting.

Paul Debnam got the start for the first time in his career, but was pulled two minutes into the game. With less than a minute to go, Debnam was put back in by coach Greenberg, much to the delight of the remaining fans. After making a free throw, Debnam exited the game alongside Witcher for the final ovation at Cassell Coliseum.

Thankfully it ended up not mattering, but the Hokies only shot 20-of-28 (71%) from the free throw line, including a ghastly 1-for-5 in the first half. That stat alone has to improve if Tech wants to win the close games in crunch time. I would hate to see another game lost because of missed free throws (see: Double OT, Maryland).

Malcolm Delaney seemed to get his shooting touch back, dropping 21 points including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. If Delaney starts heating up, it could mean trouble for opposing teams come ACC tournament time. It was also another ho-hum night for Dorenzo Hudson, as the budding star added 21 of his own, despite playing on a sore foot. Jeff Allen also continued his recent string of strong games, with 18 points and nine rebounds.

There wasn't as much of a buzz as previous games, but the Cassell Coliseum crowd stood faithful for their team, giving a standing ovation in the final minute, urging their team to go to Atlanta and pick up a much-needed road victory, and thanking them for finishing off a 15-1 record at the Cassell.

The game in Atlanta against Georgia Tech (19-10, 7-8 ACC) will take place this coming Saturday at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast by Raycom Sports.

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