Hokie ClubCORAL GABLES, Fl. – Virginia Tech and No. 23 Miami provided onlookers another entertaining matchup on Tuesday night, as the Hurricanes used a late spark from Nijel Pack to down the Hokies, 92-83.
Sean Pedulla and Hunter Cattoor led Tech in what could be considered one of team's better offensive outings of the season. Both members of the backcourt pair accounted for 20 points apiece on 6-10 shooting. Grant Basile had his fifth straight game of double-digit scoring and seven-or-more rebounds 17 points and seven boards. Justyn Mutts added in 10 points with all coming in the second half.
Unfortunately for Tech, its explosive night on offense was matched by Miami. The Hurricanes' 58.3-percent shooting was their second best total of the season, while Miami's 42.1-percent outing from deep was noticeably above its season average entering the game (35.6-percent).
With the game tied at 76, Pack single-handedly led the 'Canes on an 8-0 run, including a pair of dagger 3-pointers, starting with 3:37 remaining. Tech brought the margin within four points through consistent free throw shooting, but never grabbed the lead back.
How It Happened
After falling behind 6-5, Virginia Tech went on an 8-0 run with 16:56 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Pedulla, to take a 13-6 lead. With the score at 16-8, Miami hit a 15-2 run to gain control of the game. Tech clawed its way back in and trailed only 45-44 at the half.
The two sides kept it close throughout the second half, but Miami constructed a 76-71 advantage before Virginia Tech went on a 5-0 run to even the score at 76 all with 4:16 to go in the contest. The Hokies could not turn their rally into a victory, as the Hurricanes outscored them 16-7 the rest of the way to hand Virginia Tech the 92-83 loss.
Game Notes
» The Hokies had their second-best field-goal percentage of the season (56.9%) and its best in a loss since shooting 58.2% in a 93-86 loss to Kentucky on Dec. 16, 2017.
» Tech's 14 turnovers are tied for third most in a game this season.
» Hunter Cattoor had his second 20-point game in a row for the first time in his career.
» Virginia Tech got a team-high seven rebounds from Grant Basile.
UP NEXT
An opportunity to bounce back in a big way awaits the Hokies, as they welcome No. 6 Virginia into Cassell Coliseum. The game is sold out, but fans can purchase tickets to the contest on StubHub, the official secondary marketplace of Virginia Tech Athletics.