Virginia Tech used hot shooting and timely stops to defeat Clemson on the road in an ACC basketball showdown.
As Best Bets, pointed out today, this was a huge game for Clemson’s season tonight. The Tigers were losers of five in a row and any chance of earning an NCAA Tournament bid likely needed a boost with a home victory over the Hokies. The game was close throughout, but the Tigers were not able to pull through, losing 82-81 against Virginia Tech. They now sit at 11-8 overall and 1-6 in the ACC.
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The Hokies took care of business in this one and are in great shape as they search for their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2007. Virginia Tech (15-4, 4-3) used hot shooting to win this offensive contest on the road. Virginia Tech shot 55 percent overall and 60 percent in the second half. Seniors Zach LeDay and Seth Allen led the way, combining for 32 points.
Clemson had a nice day offensively as well, shooting 48 percent from the field and from three-point range. The Tigers also had 22 assists on 31 made field goals. Jaron Blossomgame and Avry Holmes both scored 20 points. However, the game was won at the free-throw line and with timely defense. The Hokies were an impressive 16-of-17 from the foul line and the Tigers were just 6-of-11.
Next up for Virginia Tech is a road trip to North Carolina. After that, they are home against Boston College, but the must travel to Virginia to face the Cavaliers. A 2-1 stretch there would be incredible.
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For Clemson, they won’t play until Saturday. A home game against Georgia Tech will follow after there showdown against Pittsburgh.