LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After trading blows for over 30 minutes, Virginia Tech closed out Tuesday night's contest on a 21-7 run to down Louisville, 71-54.
With their win, the Hokies (17-13, 7-12) snapped a nine-game losing streak at Louisville that dated back to Jan. 30, 1991.
Justyn Mutts was the man of the night for Tech, notching his eighth double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds. He entered the night needing just six rebounds to achieve 1,000 career boards. Mutts became the second active player (Ahsan Asadullah of Lipscomb) in Division I men's basketball to reach 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds and 400 assists in his career.
Grant Basile led the Hokies in scoring with 18 points while adding seven rebounds. Hunter Cattoor put up 11 and Sean Pedulla tacked on 10 points to join Basile and Mutts in double figures.
Virginia Tech's defense was sound beyond the arc, as Louisville was restricted to only 14.3% shooting from deep.
On the offensive end, the Hokies tied their season-low with five turnovers, while pulling down a season-high 18 offensive boards.
El Ellis and Mike James each contributed 14 points for the Cardinals (4-26, 2-17).
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How It Happened
After falling behind 8-6, Virginia Tech went on an 8-0 run with 13:20 left in the first half to take a 14-8 lead. The Hokies then added two points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 35-27 advantage. Virginia Tech capitalized on seven Louisville turnovers in the period, turning them into nine points on the other end of the floor.
Virginia Tech kept its lead intact before going on a 14-0 run, finished off by Sean Pedulla's three, to grow the lead to 62-47 with 4:29 to go in the contest. The Hokies kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 71-54 win. Virginia Tech shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting six shots from deep to score 18 of its 36 points.
Game Notes
» Justyn Mutts notched a double-double for the Hokies with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
» Virginia Tech never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Virginia Tech recorded 16 total assists in the game.
» Virginia Tech had a 39-38 edge on the boards in the win.
» Virginia Tech turned the ball over five times while dishing out 16 assists.
» Virginia Tech cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting a season-high 18 offensive boards in the game.
Gallery: (2-28-2023) MBB: at Louisville