The men’s basketball team looked to pull together and end a four game losing streak in conference play, but Virginia Tech had other plans, shutting down State 72-52. The Hokies extended the Pack’s skid to five conference games and in sole possession of the basement of the ACC, 2-8.
The second half comeback that has become a quasi trademark for the Wolfpack was nowhere to be found on Wednesday night. The Pack struggled offensively and couldn’t find the basket from behind the arc for the entirety of the game, shooting 0 for 11. An up-tempo Tech offense rolled through the defensive efforts that State put together.
“Tech just executed and got open looks. I wasn’t pleased with our aggression tonight,” coach Sidney Lowe said. “They were much more physical than us. They’re a very good team.”
Freshman forward Scott Wood felt frustrated by the lack of execution by the Wolfpack.
“I don’t even remember to be honest, it’s been so long. I don’t even think I had a streak this long where I didn’t win,” Wood said. “They punched us in the mouth and we just sat there and kept looking at them while we were bleeding.”
In the opening minutes, State and Tech traded baskets – but something was amiss when Javier Gonzalez was guarded by 6’6 forward Terrell Bell, who swatted down a long shot by Gonzalez. Tech pressed on to a 24-7 lead to silence the crowd, something that was a factor to Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg.
“We took the crowd out of the game early, and this is a great venue and they have great fans,” Greenberg said. “That win was huge for us.”
The Hokie defense continuously shutdown Tracy Smith on the inside, forcing the Pack to pass for more open looks. But after grabbing several rebounds that jump-started the crowd, State began to show life, closing in to 32-21 with two minutes in the half.
Just prior to breaking at the buzzer, Wood was blatantly fouled in the left corner, but a no-call sent the crowd into an uproar. The teams headed into the locker room with Virginia Tech holding a 34-23 lead.
The Pack opened the second half with renewed energy, grabbing eight points in the first two minutes. After Smith found his way inside for two, closing the gap 38-31, the Hokies committed back to back turnovers.
But Tech made it rain from the field and State began to look drained. Tech’s quick offense coupled with a barrage of missed free throws put the Pack down 53-38 mid-way through the second half.
ACC powerhouse duo Malcolm Delaney and Dorenzo Hudson ran the Hokie backcourt, combining for 38 points. Delaney currently leads the ACC in scoring at 20.3 points per game pace. Lowe couldn’t find the answer for the pair.
“Obviously [Malcolm] Delaney made plays and hit some shots. Dorenzo [Hudson] played well for Virginia Tech also,” Lowe said. “As for us, we struggled. It’s really hurting our bigs.”
Lowe and company will move forward, working to find the consistency that the Pack needs to end the ACC slide. The team travels to Chapel Hill on Feb. 13 to take on the Tar Heels, who have had its own share of struggles in conference play.
“It’s tough, we’re gonna have to turn it around somehow,” Wood said.
