Hokie ClubSYRACUSE, N.Y. – Grant Basile totaled a game-high 26 points and Justyn Mutts added 21, but the Virginia Tech men's basketball team fell to Syracuse, 82-72, at the JMA Wireless Dome on Wednesday night.
Basile and Mutts' stellar scoring performances led the Hokies in the contest. Basile tacked on 10 rebounds and Mutts added nine assists and two steals. Sean Pedulla also helped out with 10 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The trio of Basile, Mutts and Lynn Kidd combined to shoot 25 of 37 (67.6%).
The Hokies were doomed all night from beyond the arc, recording a 3-19 line from deep. On the opposing end, the Orange shot 8-16 from 3-point range. Overall, the hosts found success scoring from the field, putting up a 50.8% outing. Joseph Girard III led Syracuse with 24 points on 10 of 20 shooting.
Along with the impressive numbers from Basile and Mutts, Tech found a silver lining in getting Rodney Rice his first minutes for the Hokies this season. The highly-touted freshman checked in early in the first half and posted two points, four boards and three steals.
How It Happened
Virginia Tech struggled out of the gate, falling behind 43-37 heading into halftime.
Virginia Tech could not pull any closer in the second half, losing by a final of 82-72. Virginia Tech took care of business in the paint, recording 26 of its 35 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Rodney Rice made his debut for the Hokies.
» Grant Basile notched an impressive double-double for the Hokies with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Hokies shared the ball well, recording an assist on 66-percent of made field goals.
» Grant Basile, Justyn Mutts, and Lynn Kidd combined to account for 79-percent of the Hokies points.
» Grant Basile had a game-high 26 points and Justyn Mutts added 21.Gallery: (1-11-2023) MBB: at Syracuse