Hokies Push Past Heels, 74-70

by Brian Bartley

February 5, 2010

After last Sunday's loss to the Virginia Cavaliers, North Carolina head coach, Roy Williams, admitted that this year's tailspin for his squad has been a low point in his coaching career.  Despite that public challenge from Williams, the Tar Heels continued their slide on Thursday with a 74-70 loss to Virginia Tech in Cassell Coliseum. 

A Terrell Bell lay-up with 13:29 in the first half gave the Hokies a 12-point lead that capped off an opening assault on the visiting Tar Heels.

Carolina responded with a run highlighted by a couple of David Wear jumpers and John Henson dunks. By halftime, the Heels held onto a slim 35-33 lead.

Early in the second half, both teams traded leads until the Hokies took the lead for good on a Malcolm Delaney pull-up jumper with 13:29 remaining.

The Hokies would extend that lead to as many as seven in the ensuing minute, but Delaney picked up his fourth foul and the ACC's leading scorer was forced to the bench until 7:01. 

During Delaney's absence, guard Dorenzo Hudson rose to the occasion and scored five key points that neutralized the opportunity for a Tar Heel rally. 

"I think it was very important for my team for me to get going like that," Hudson admitted after the game.  

The Hokies' execution was nearly flawless down the stretch, scoring in transition and converting on some key free throws. 

Tech shot a game-high 82 percent from the free throw line, including a 5-of-6 effort in the final minute from Jeff Allen, Delaney, and Bell.

On the other side, the Tar Heels struggled their way to just 67 percent from the line.

Despite getting vastly out-rebounded by Carolina in the first half, the Hokies shored up effort on the glass and finished the game with just a 40-36 disadvantage.

"We had to box-out," Bell said of the Hokies first half rebounding woes.  "They had like a 27-15 lead in rebounds at half, so I think that helped."

Delaney led all scorers with 21 points, while Hudson dropped 17 for the Hokies.

The Tar Heels were led in scoring by Ed Davis with 15 points and was followed by Henson with 14.

Thursday night's win represents the first time Tech's junior class, led by Delaney, has ever beaten North Carolina.

"Except for the first time we lost to North Carolina my freshman year, we've been so close every other time," Delaney said his team's struggles against the Tar Heels in recent years. 

"Every time I've been like, 'we can beat them.'  Delaney said.  "Just to get this win and stick with it--it's a happy feeling."

The Hokies hope to remain unbeaten in Cassell Coliseum on Saturday when the Clemson Tigers visit.  A season ago, the Hokies led the Tigers in Cassell Coliseum by as many as 18 points before eventually falling, 86-82.

"We have them at home, we have them in our building," Jeff Allen said in regards to Tech's chances against Clemson.  "We should be good."

Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m.  Visit http://www.hokiesports.com for any updates to the game regarding weather.