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 104
 100
Tech needed to win this game to improve its NCAA chances, and they had a lot of opportunities to knock off the Maryland Terrapins. In the end, though, it was Greivis Vasquez and the Terps who came out on top, 104-100 in double overtime at Cassell Coliseum. It was the third loss in a row for the Hokies (21-7, 8-6 ACC), and the first in front of the Cassell faithful. Maryland (21-7, 11-3) clinched the second seed in the upcoming ACC tournament, and can move into first with a win over Duke Wednesday.
The Hokies seemed to be out of it at the end of regulation, but Terrell Bell stole an inbounds pass, and JT Thompson nailed his second career three-pointer after a Tech timeout to tie the game up at 80-80. After Eric Hayes hit a clutch jumper for the Terps, Malcolm Delaney went the length of the court in less than five seconds and converted a difficult layup to tie the game at 82-82 and force overtime.
In the first overtime, Bell hit a baseline three-pointer to put the Hokies up two at 89-87 before Eric Hayes sank two free throws with 15.4 seconds to tie it up again. Tech had a chance to win it at the end of the first overtime, but JT Thompson wasn't aware of the time remaining and didn't get a shot off in time while leading a three-on-one fastbreak.
Maryland scored the first four points of the second overtime and never trailed again. Up 102-100 with 15 seconds remaining, Eric Hayes missed his only free throw of the game and Tech went down the court with a chance to either tie or win the game. Instead of calling their final timeout, Malcolm Delaney took the ball up the court and kicked it out to a wide-open Erick Green who missed a baseline three-pointer to seal the Hokies fate.
Although the end of the game caused some second-guessing from Tech fans, the Hokies battled it out til the very end. However, it still comes up as loss on the NCAA tournament resume, which is huge at this time of the year. Tech now has to win both games next week to get to 10-6 in the ACC, which is essential for the Hokies chances.
As for this game, Greivis Vasquez was outstanding for the Terps. The senior scored a career-high 41 points on 13-of 33 shooting, 33 of which came after halftime. When Maryland need a big three-pointer, Vasquez was their guy, hitting 5-of-15 from beyond the arc. The ACC Player of the Year (yes, I'm giving him the title) also made all 10 of his free throw attempts while facing a chorus of boos from the Hokie faithful.
Sean Mosley added 17 for Maryland, while Eric Hayes recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. The Terps only missed five free throws, which was critical down the stretch of both overtime sessions.
The Hokies "Big Three" had their best combined game of the season, all scoring over 20 points a piece. Malcolm Delaney had 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting, but missed two crucial free throws in the final minute of double overtime which could have tied the game. Jeff Allen was able to stay out of foul trouble and had his best game of the year with 25 points and 15 rebounds. It seemed as though Allen was on pace for a bigger night, but he only scored three points in the final 18 minutes of overtime and the second half.
Dorenzo Hudson injured his foot in the second half, but still managed 21 points for Tech. JT Thompson saw a huge increase in playing time, and rewarded coach Greenberg with 15 points. Terrell Bell added 10 points of his own to go along with nine rebounds.
Tech must now prepare for Senior Night next Wednesday against NC State, a team which has won two games in a row. There is still a chance for the third seed in the ACC tournament and an NCAA berth, but winning both games next week is essential. Tip-off is currently set for 7 p.m., barring anymore water main breaks. There is currently no TV coverage scheduled for Wednesday.
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