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For the majority of Thursday's game in Charlottesville, the Hokies looked like the team that was dead last in the ACC in shooting percentage. Then, after the final media timeout, Tech mounted a furious 10-point comeback only to see UVA's Sammy Zeglinski nail an improbable three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Fortunatly for Tech fans, the Hokies dominated the overtime session and went on to a stunning 76-71 win at John Paul Jones Arena.
The Hokies (16-3, 3-2 ACC) got off to the slow start they were trying to avoid on the road in the ACC. The Hokies didn't get into double digits until Dorenzo Hudson's jumper with 6:56 remaining made it 18-10 UVA. The 'Hoos (12-6, 3-2 ACC) found themselves up 22-10 with 5:28 remaining, but the Hokies ended the half on a spectacular 18-5 run to put themselves ahead 28-27 at the half.
In a half completely dominated by UVA, it was almost a miracle to see the Hokies in front on the scoreboard after 20 minutes. Somehow, Tech managed to shoot 44% in the half, despite the poor start from the field. Even more stunning was the fact that the Hokies didn't attempt a free throw in the first half, yet still led by one.
The Hokies extended the lead to five in the opening moments of the second half, before UVA came back with five points of their own to tie the game up 32-32 with a long way to go. The game was tied at 34 when Malcolm Delaney fouled the 'Hoos Sammy Zeglinski on a three-point attempt. Zeglinski made all free throws as the Cavaliers regained the momentum.
Less than a minute later, the Hokies' Jeff Allen picked up a loose ball in the corner and proceeded to swing his elbows, inadvertently making contact with the 'Hoos Jeff Jones face. The referees determined that Allen's actions were flagrant and he was ejected from the game. After nailing both free throws, UVA got the ball back and Sylven Landesberg drained an open jumper to make it a four-point possession. After an empty Hokie possession, the Cavs' Mike Scott nailed a wide open three-pointer to complete a 12-0 Wahoo run that gave UVA a 10-point lead at 44-34.
The Cavs held the Hokies at bay for the next 10 minutes, letting Tech get no closer than five. Jeff Jones' jumper for UVA with 3:44 left gave the Wahoos a 62-52 lead, but Tech would not be denied.
After the final media timeout with 3:02 left, the Hokies went on furious tear. Malcolm Delaney nailed two free throws to drop the deficit to eight, and Dorenzo Hudson stole the ensuing inbounds pass. After a couple missed shots and offensive rebounds, Delaney picked up the loose ball and laid it in to cut the lead to six with 2:43 remaining. The Hokies then forced another Cavalier turnover, and this time JT Thompson finished it off with another layup to cut the lead to four.
After the 'Hoos Mike Scott missed an easy layup, Delaney found a wide-open Dorenzo Hudson to cut the deficit to one with 1:36 remaining. After UVA came away with another empty possession, Thompson found a way to the rack to give the Hokies their first lead since early in the second half at 63-62. Tech seemed to have the game won after two Malcolm Delaney free throws, but Zeglinksi nailed an improbable three-pointer to send the game into overtime.
The Hokies scored the first five points of overtime, and UVA never got the chance to tie the game again. Tech made four of their final six free throws down the stretch to seal a shocking 76-71 win in front of a stunned John Paul Jones Arena.
Malcolm Delaney broke out of his mini-slump (as yours truly projected) with 27 points, 19 of which came in the second half and overtime. JT Thompson had arguably his best game of the season with 17 points and seven rebounds. Thompson stepped up in a big way after Allen's ejection, with 15 of his 17 coming after the ejection. Dorenzo Hudson also continued his strong play by adding 18 points of his own.
As expected, Mike Scott and Sylven Landesberg had big games for UVA. Scott finished with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Landesberg added a quiet 18 points. However, neither player was a factor late in the the second half or overtime. Jeff Jones was the only other Wahoo to finish in double-digits, as he finished with 12.
With the win the Hokies moved into third place in the crazy ACC. Tech will stay on the road for its next game, which comes Sunday against the Miami Hurricanes (15-5, 1-5 ACC). Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be televised on Raycom Sports.
Today's Hokie Hoops post comes from FFODC's new basketball consultant, Kevin Burke. Kevin is a sophomore communication major at Virginia Tech, and his ultimate goal is to become a sports writer or play-by-play announcer. Kevin comes to FFODC from his own blog, Upon Further Review, and will also be covering Wizards basketball as well.
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