BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Virginia Tech punched its ticket to its first ACC Tournament semifinal appearance since 2011 with an 87-80 win over Notre Dame on Thursday night.
The Hokies (21-12) had five players score in double figures, led by Keve Aluma, who had 20 points. Justyn Mutts caused havoc all evening for Notre Dame, notching his fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 boards.
For the second night in a row, Storm Murphy got hot at a pivotal moment, as he sank two 3-pointers in the closing minutes. Those buckets were part of 16-point performance, his best scoring night since putting up 20 against Pitt on Feb. 5.
Sean Pedulla provided a spark off the bench with 13 points. The guard had 11 points in the first half, which led all Virginia Tech players. Nahiem Alleyne put up 12 points, including 10 in the second half.
Virginia Tech's offensive output was well-timed and record breaking. The 87 points scored were the second most that the Hokies have scored all season and the most against an ACC opponent since they put up 95 against Miami on Feb. 19, 2020 (in 3OT). Tech's 31 field goals made and 57.4% shooting from the floor are also school records in ACC Tournament contests.
The Hokies never trailed in the contest and held the lead for all but 30 seconds of the game.
How It Happened
The Hokies kick-started the game by shooting 7-8 from the field, including 3-3 from beyond the arc. With 13:12 left in the first half, Virginia Tech reached a double-digit lead (22-12) that would not get any smaller before the break. Pedulla scored 11 points as the Hokies shot 50% from the field in the first 20 minutes, allowing the No. 7 seed to go into the half up 42-31.
Virginia Tech kept its advantage in tack for the first 10 minutes of the second half until Notre Dame was able to cut into it by making eight field goals in a row between 13:16 and 7:06. The Fighting Irish continued to pick at the Hokies' lead and brought it down to five with 3:31 remaining. Tech responded with two 3-pointers from Murphy to restore an 11-point cushion. Despite another surge by Notre Dame late, Virginia Tech stood strong at the free throw line and saw out the win.
Game Notes
» Justyn Mutts notched a double-double for the Hokies with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
» Notre Dame had 10 turnovers in the first half, which Tech turned into 14 points.
» Virginia Tech never trailed on the way to an 87-80 victory.
» Five Virginia Tech players scored 10 or more points.
» Keve Aluma led the Hokies with 20 points.
» Virginia Tech got a team-high 10 rebounds from Justyn Mutts.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.
Gallery: (3-10-2022) MBB: ACC Third Round vs. Notre Dame