Va. Tech rolls over Miami 65-47
ATLANTA (AP) – Seth Greenberg’s Virginia Tech easily kept its NCAA tournament hopes alive against Miami, however the coach knows his Hokies will “have to take it to a whole new level” Friday against North Carolina.
Virginia Tech broke open a close game with a 14-0 run in the second half and beat Miami 65-47 in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament Thursday and advance to Friday’s game against the top-seeded Tar Heels.
Greenberg is trying to join his older brother, Radford coach Brad Greenberg, in the NCAA tournament. Radford won the Big South championship Saturday.
“I’m so proud of him,” said Greenberg before adding with a smile, “He’s a much nicer person than me.”
Malcolm Delaney made only one of 10 shots from the field, but made 14 of 15 free throws to lead Virginia Tech (18-13) with 17 points. A.D. Vassallo added 14 points and 8 rebounds.
The Hokies, who led by 14 points in the first half, were ahead only 43-37 midway through the second half before the 14-0 run. J.T. Thompson, who had 12 points, started the hot streak with back-to-back baskets and capped the run with a basket with 7:15 remaining for a 57-37 lead.
Adrian Thomas and Jack McClinton each had nine points to lead Miami (18-12), which now likely awaits a spot in the National Invitation Tournament.
Virginia Tech struggled to beat Miami 88-83 in overtime at Miami on Jan. 25. The rematch on a neutral court was not as close.
“The major difference was we simply weren’t hitting our shots,” said Miami’s Jimmy Graham, who had four points and missed each of his four free throws.