BLACKSBURG – Double-digit scoring efforts from four Hokies, led by Lynn Kidd, helped Virginia Tech thump rival Virginia, 75-41, Monday night inside Cassell Coliseum as part of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash.
The 34-point victory was the second-largest margin for the Hokies in the UVA series, only trailing a 35-point win (105-70) on Feb. 18, 1961 in War Memorial Gym. Tech improves to 15-11 overall, 7-8 in the ACC after capturing its fourth straight home win against the Cavaliers (20-7, 11-5).
Kidd led all players in points and rebounds with 14 and seven, respectively, on a perfect 5-5 shooting from the field. Tyler Nickel and Robbie Beran added 13 apiece, while Mylyjael Poteat contributed 11. VT's defense forced UVA into 12 turnovers, 16.7% shooting (2-12) from long range and 32.7% shooting (17-52) from the field.
A decisive 20-0 run in the first half, keyed by the Hokies holding UVA scoreless for 8:57, built a 36-14 advantage with 1:02 left in the opening frame. It was the largest run on record for the Hokies since Feb. 19, 2009.
Isaac McKneely led the way for the Hoos with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting. The last time Tech held UVA to 41 points or less was Jan. 23, 1942 (won 42-25).
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Hokies scored the sole basket within the first three minutes, courtesy of a Kidd layup. Nickel's first basket, a 3-pointer, made the score 7-4 with 14 minutes left in the half.
- Nickel's second 3-pointer and eight points from Kidd sparked a 13-2 Tech run. MJ Collins first basket gave the Hokies more than double the Hoos' points, making the score 30-14. Three minutes remained.
- Poteat's second dunk gave Tech 16 points in the paint and a 19-point lead. Tech held UVA to one basket in the last 10:17 of the first half en route to a 36-16 halftime lead.
- Three Beran free throws, a Sean Pedulla layup, and a Kidd jam had Tech rolling to start the second half. They were on a 7-0 run. The Hoos countered with a quick 5-0 run of their own to make the score 43-21.
- Three straight layups set the score at 51-23 in favor of VT with 13:46 left in the game. Beran's layup and 3-pointer gave him 13 points on the game and the Hokies 63 with 6:34 to go.
- Back-to-back Jaydon Young 3-pointers capped a 34-point Hokie victory. Tech took down UVA 75-41 to split the season series 1-1.
NOTES
- Virginia Tech claimed a half point in the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, making the score 5.5-3.
- Lynn Kidd was perfect tonight. He shot 5-5 from the field and 4-4 from the free-throw line to put in a 14-point, seven-rebound outing.
- The Hokies controlled the boards, edging the Hoos in that category, 32-28.
- Tech led for 37:42 tonight. UVA led for 0:16.
- The Hokies had a staggering 24-4 advantage in points off turnovers against UVA, which entered the game ranked ninth nationally in turnovers per game (6.5).
- It was the second-largest ACC win for Tech behind its 38-point triumph (84-46) over Wake Forest on Feb. 27, 2021.
QUOTES FROM COACH YOUNG
- "We had great energy. We were as connected defensively as we've been, and you have to be against a team like UVA. We did a good job in Charlottesville on [Isaac] McKneely who had eight, we did a good job on Reece [Beekman] who had 16 [at their place]. They are both really good players. We did a good job tonight of limiting their best players, and that helped us a lot."
- "I told my team that we have to win the paint matchup. I thought Lynn [Kidd] and Mylyjael [Poteat] both made a few great catches around the basket. We had great interior passing also, thanks to Robbie Beran. He helped our team immensely defensively and in rebounding. We had to win that matchup and we did.
UP NEXT
- The Hokies head back on the road for Saturday's 5:30 p.m. ACC clash with Pitt, which will be televised on The CW.
Gallery: (2-19-2024) MBB: Virginia Game