Hokies Top Wolfpack For First Time Since 2005 (Video Included)
By David CooperVideo by Ryan Call
February 8, 2009
This game wasn't a rivalry game, considering North Carolina State has dominated the series. Rather, this was a statement game for the Hokies, as they needed this victory to rebound in the conference and have a better shot at getting an invite to the dance. Tech did just that, overcoming an 18-point, second half deficit to force overtime and win 91-87.
"I've been here four years, and I haven't beaten them yet, and coming out there in the second half and playing the way we did shows we have character," said A.D. Vassallo.
Virginia Tech, who had lost to Clemson and Boston College just last week, really needed a win in this one to go to 5-3 in the conference, and inch closer to tightening the series record.
The Hokies started out the game well, but succumbed to State's mid-range shooting and lane-busting schemes, the Pack shooting 59% through the first half.
Team savior Malcolm Delaney was cold from the floor throughout the first 20 minutes going 0-5, but made up for it with a perfect 7-7 free throws, and Jeff Allen had 9 points, but had to sit out early because foul trouble.
Repeated calls on Virginia Tech not only put them in early foul trouble, but caused head coach Seth Greenberg to lose his cool and get charged with a technical foul, nearly getting ejected with 1:22 in the half. State led 49-35 going into halftime.
The second half started off looking as bleak as the end of the first half as the Wolfpack extended the lead to 63-45.
However, the fans were riled up and helped to spark rallies that NC State at times had no answer for.
"The difference from the first to the second half was our post defense, and coach [Seth Greenberg] had talked about that, and that was something we knew we had to work on, and it showed," Terrell Bell said after the game.
In the last 4 minutes, the game really heated up as Vassallo had put the team on his back, knocking down jump shot after jump shot.
Terell Bell and Dorenzo Hudson made huge contributions of their own, along with Allen to push the game to a tie at 76.
In overtime, the Hokies dominated, outscoring the Wolfpack 15-11 over the 5-minute period to seal the deal and beat State for the first time since Jan. 19, 2005, their inaugural season in the ACC.
"It felt good to get this win. We got ourselves together after the first half, and we knew we had to stick together to get the win, and we did," Allen said, who fouled out late in the game.
However, Allen did what he could to amass 21 points, 8 rebounds and an assist, despite tough defensive play from NC State.
The Hokies' next match-up is Wednesday night against Georgia Tech at 7 p.m., another must-win game for the Hokies' postseason hopes.
Video by Ryan Call:
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