BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- An early 14-0 run from No. 25 Xavier proved to be the deciding factor in Friday night's game in the Barclays Center, as Virginia Tech dropped its second consecutive game to a ranked opponent, 59-58.
Nahiem Alleyne led the Hokies (5-2) in scoring for the second time in as many games with 18 points, including a go-ahead three with 5:18 remaining. However, it was the Musketeers' (5-1) Nate Johnson, who scored 30 points, that decided the contest with a winning basket from beyond the arc with 23.8 seconds remaining.
Tech struggled to get going offensively in the first half, shooting 9-24 from the field. In the second half, Sean Pedulla offered a boost off the bench, along with some three-point contributions from Alleyne and Hunter Cattoor, but Xavier's three-point efficiency (.455) proved too much for Tech.
Virginia Tech's defense forced 14 turnovers, marking the fifth time it has caused 14+ turnovers in a game this season. The Hokies were able to turn those into 21 points.
Up next, Tech travels to College Park, Md. on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 7:15 p.m. to play Maryland in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 15-12 lead, the Hokies went scoreless for 6:38, allowing Xavier to go on a 14-0 run. Tech went into the break trailing 35-27.
Virginia Tech narrowed its deficit to 49-44 before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Keve Aluma's jumper, to seize a 53-49 lead with 3:46 to go in the contest. Xavier re-asserted control, outscoring the Hokies 10-5 the rest of the way to hand Virginia Tech the 59-58 loss.
Game Notes
» The Hokies recorded an assist on 64 percent of made field goals.
» The Virginia Tech defense forced 14 turnovers for the fifth time this season.
» Nahiem Alleyne led the Hokies for the second game in a row with 18 points. He was named to the all-tournament team.
» Virginia Tech got a team-high 11 rebounds from Justyn Mutts.
» With starting guard Storm Murphy in foul trouble, Sean Pedulla stepped up off the bench and contributed six points. His lone three-pointer moved him to 5-7 on the season from beyond the arc.
» Nate Johnson's 30 points were the most an individual opponent has scored against Tech this season.
» After getting out-rebounded 17-11 in the first half, the Hokies fought back in the second half with a 17-13 margin in the second stanza.Gallery: (11-26-2021) MBB: Xavier Game
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.