Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech struggled to overcome its worst shooting performance of the season on Wednesday night in a narrow 68-65 loss to Clemson.
The Hokies had four players score in double figures, led by Grant Basile, who had 17 points and seven rebounds. Sean Pedulla added 14 points and four assists and Justyn Mutts chipped in as well with 11 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Led by Lynn Kidd's four offensive rebounds, Virginia Tech did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 12 boards that resulted in nine second chance points. Overall, the Hokies won the rebounding battle with a 42-36 advantage.
Virginia Tech forced 14 Clemson turnovers while committing 11 themselves in Wednesday's game. The Hokies turned those takeaways into 11 points on the offensive end of the floor. Darius Maddox led the way individually with two steals.
The loss marks Virginia Tech's first defeat inside Cassell Coliseum this season, while it pushes Clemson to 4-0 in ACC play.
How It Happened
After falling behind 29-23, Virginia Tech went on a 9-0 run with 4:28 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Maddox, to take a 32-29 lead, a score that would hold until halftime. Virginia Tech capitalized on 10 Clemson turnovers in the period, turning them into 11 points on the other end of the floor.
Clemson proceeded to take a 57-49 lead before Virginia Tech went on a 9-0 run to seize a 58-57 lead with 5:44 to go in the contest. Clemson re-asserted control, outscoring the Hokies 11-7 the rest of the way to hand Virginia Tech the 68-65 loss. Virginia Tech shot well from 3-point range in the half, hitting five shots from deep to score 15 of its 33 points.
Game Notes
» Virginia Tech lost despite a 42-36 rebounding advantage.
» The Virginia Tech defense forced 14 turnovers, which is the highest tally in ACC play for the Hokies this season.
» Virginia Tech cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Grant Basile led the Hokies with a game-high 17 points, marking his fourth time leading the Hokies in scoring this season.
» Darius Maddox's 11 points are the most by the junior since he scored 12 against Dayton on Dec. 7.
» Justyn Mutts got to the free-throw line for the first time since Tech's Dec. 17 game against Grambling State.
» Tech is in its first three-game losing streak since falling to North Carolina, Boston College and Miami between Jan. 22-26, 2022.Gallery: (1-4-2023) MBB: Clemson game