Hokies Bounce Bucs, 79-49

Virginia Tech cruised to a 79-49 victory over Charleston Southern in the Hokies’ final non-conference game of the season.  Tech opened the game with a 16-point run and never looked back.

“It was a good win. I didn’t have to bang my fist on the scorer’s table or slap myself on the head in this one,” joked Tech coach Seth Greenberg after the game.

Junior A.D. Vassallo notched the first points of the game with a layup, and then proceeded to drop seven more over the course of Tech’s initial run.

“We did a good job running and we got open shots,” said Vassallo. “Everybody passed the ball to the next open guy.  I’m glad that everyone contributed.”  He finished with a game-high 21 points.

Held scoreless for the first 7:30 of the game, the Buccaneers’ Omar Carter came off the bench and went on a run of his own, breaking the ice for his squad and putting up the next seven points.  Carter’s 11 provided the Bucs’ only offense for three-fourths of the first half.  He finished the night with 18 points.

The Hokie bench made significant contributions on the night as every player on the roster saw playing time.  Freshman Hank Thorns, replaced in the starting lineup by Malcolm Delaney after some bad starts, knocked down a three-pointer in his first action en route to a ten-point performance.

Hokie coach Seth Greenberg acknowledged that though most players would rather start games, he’d rather have players that want to contribute at any time over the course of the game.

“I’m proud of the way Hank played tonight,” said Greenberg, “he only made two bad decisions out there, didn’t turn the ball over…You’ll probably see him back in the starting lineup again.”

One of those bad decisions came in the first half on a breakaway where he attempted a behind-the-back bounce pass into a crowded lane.  Forward Deron Washington stooped to pick it up then lifted off for a massive dunk.  The slight hesitation allowed a defender to step in front and force Washington to miss the shot.

Washington and the Hokies would get numerous dunk opportunities later in the game as they notched their 20th consecutive non-conference home victory and improved to 9-6 overall.

“It was good to get into a rhythm for these new guys,” said Washington. “I really think it’s going to help our confidence for ACC play.”

Vassallo agreed, but cautioned not to get too confident since most of the team is new the ACC.  “We’re getting there and coming together, but (the freshmen) don’t have a clue yet.  This is the ACC and we’ll need everyone to step up.”

Greenberg feels his team is ready.  “I think they’ve been looking forward to it.  These guys came here because they wanted to play in the ACC.  Whether they can handle it is another story, but they’re where they want to be.”

The Hokies host the Maryland Terrapins (9-6, 0-1 ACC) in Cassell Coliseum Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m..