Tech Takeaways: A look back at the Hokies' 71-70 win against MiamiTech Takeaways: A look back at the Hokies' 71-70 win against Miami
Men's Basketball

Tech Takeaways: A look back at the Hokies' 71-70 win against Miami

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BLACKSBURG – A dominant performance on the boards and another productive showing from the bench allowed Virginia Tech to pull out a much-needed win at Miami on Saturday.

For the first time since joining the ACC, the Hokies have won four-consecutive road games in league play. With 1:42 remaining, it seemed as if that streak was going to stop at three, but a late surge from Sean Pedulla and Darius Maddox provided Tech its eighth win in nine games. 

HOT WHEN IT MATTERS

  • Both halves finished with a team making a momentum-shifting run, as Miami closed the first segment on an 11-3 run. In fact, four of the 'Canes' 3-pointers (six total) came in consecutive fashion during the final 4:02 of the first half.
  • However, when Virginia Tech had its largest deficit (-8) of the game with 1:42 remaining, the Hokies shot 4-5 from the field, while only allowing Miami to get three shots (1-3) off.
  • There were three separate occasions in Saturday's game when the Hokies made three or more consecutive shots.

GOOD TEAMS FIND A WAY

  • Virginia Tech overcame a season-high 19 turnovers on Saturday, the most in a win by the Hokies since giving up 20 on opening night against Gardner-Webb in the 2018-19 season.
  • Two Hokies had 5+ assists for the second time this season – Justyn Mutts (6) and Hunter Cattoor (6). Against Maine on opening night, Mutts had six, while Cattoor had five.
  • Tech countered its turnover problem by moving the ball well in its offensive spurts. The Hokies had 21 assists, the most since they had 25 on Feb. 6, 2021 against...Miami. 
  • The Hokies made up ground on the boards, as well. Tech eclipsed 30 rebounds (31) for the third-consecutive game and out-rebounded Miami by 10. Virginia Tech is now 14-0 this season when bagging more rebounds than its opponent.

ALUMA MOVES IN SILENCE

  • Keve Aluma quietly recorded his sixth double-double (18 points and 10 rebounds) of the season, tying his tally from last season.
  • After missing his first shot of the game, Aluma made his last eight – including 5-5 in the second half. One of those buckets was a dunk with 40 seconds remaining, joining Pedulla and Maddox in the late run.
  • As Tech's offensive focus has shifted to inside the arc as of late, so has Aluma's. The big man has only attempted five 3-pointers in the last five games. 
  • Aluma's efficient shooting inside the arc was followed by the whole team, which shot 22-27 from non-3s (81.5%).