Men's Basketball: Sought-After Revenge Achieved by Hokies

By Debbie Ballard
December 7, 2009

The Virginia Tech men's basketball team earned a little redemption on Sunday, knocking off Georgia 74-62, avenging a painful last-second loss to the Bulldogs last season.

"This game was a payback game," said guard Malcolm Delaney.  "We had this game marked on our schedules, everybody knew that. That left a salty taste in our mouths when we lost there last year."

Virginia Tech led by as many as 11 points in the first half, and a stylish last-second three-point basket from Delaney left the Hokies with a 36-27 lead and the momentum heading in to the second half.

Delaney's shot served as an omen for the onslaught of offense Virginia Tech possessed in the second half.

The Bulldogs never came within more than six points of the Hokies, as Tech's offense seemed to be in synch.  The Hokies were also perfect from the free throw line in the second half finishing 18 of 19 for the game.

"We shared the ball the whole game," said guard Dorenzo Hudson of the offensive improvements he saw.

Although Delaney's 31 points were almost half of Tech's point total, Victor Davila hit some key free throws and Jeff Allen hit the offensive glass as both totaled 11 points.

In contrast, the Hokie defense clamped down on Georgia during key stretches of the game, allowing only one Bulldog more than 10 points, Leslie Travis who finished with 17.

This is the third consecutive win for Virginia Tech, who moves to 6-1 on the young season.

Delaney was very happy with the team's performance.

"I'm liking how the team's chemistry is right now, and we're coming together as a team," he said.

The Hokies host VMI on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in hopes of continuing their current success.