Hokie ClubPHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Virginia Tech needed extra time to ward off a determined Delaware team, 74-66, in overtime in the 2009 Philly Hoop Group Classic at the Palestra in Philadelphia on Saturday evening. With the win, the Hokies improve to 4-1, while UD falls to 1-4.
The Hokies led throughout most of the game, but could never shake the Blue Hens. Tech took a 30-29 lead into the half and led 63-61 when Jawan Carter hit a lay-up with 17 seconds remaining to tie the game at 63-63. The Hokies held for a last shot, but junior guard Malcolm Delaney had his shot blocked with three seconds remaining and the game went to overtime.
To open the extra session, Delaney hit two free throws and a three-pointer to give the Hokies a 68-63 lead with 3:44 remaining, a lead Tech would not relinquish. Delaney scored seven of the Hokies’ 11 points in the extra session.
Delaney led all scorers with 24 points and dished out four assists. Jeff Allen added 16 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked four shots. Freshman Manny Atkins, who had seen just one minute of action in one previous appearance this season, came off the bench and scored five points, grabbed two rebounds and recorded two key steals late in the game. He played 19 minutes in the contest.
Carter led the Blue Hens with 23 points and D.J. Boney added 13 points. Josh Brinkley scored 12 points off the bench for Delaware.
The Hokies held a slight edge on the boards, 43-42 and committed just nine turnovers in 45 minutes, while forcing Delaware into 12 turnovers. Tech shot just 35.4 percent from the field, but hit 71.0 percent from the line.
The Hokies will conclude this four-game road swing on Tuesday night, as the play at the University of Iowa in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. The game will tip-off at 9:30 p.m., Eastern Time and will be televised by ESPN2.