Virginia Tech 71, NC State 59: Hokies Stop the Skid

Nothing like the playing the worst team in the ACC to stop a three-game losing streak at the right time.

The Hokies took care of business Wednesday against NC State to improve to to 22-7 overall and 9-6 in league play. The trio of Malcolm Delaney, Jeff Allen and Dorenzo Hudson combined for 60 points shot 19-36 from the floor in a game that was never in doubt.

Tech was tenacious defensively, scoring 15 points off 20 turnovers. Terrell Bell was shut out, but made up for it with two steals, a block and five assists.

Senior Night wasn't all seashells and balloons for the Hokies, though. The Hokies were outrebounded 35-29 and got worked on the offensive glass.

The Hokies will travel to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech Saturday. If the Hokies were going to pick a time to come up with a big conference road win, Saturday is the time. Tech has struggled on the road in the ACC this year at 2-5 with wins over Virginia and NC State.

Last season, Tech needed a big road win at Florida State in its last regular season game to bolster its tournament resume. They lost by 10. In 2008, the Hokies could have guaranteed themselves a spot in the tournament with a win at Clemson in their last regular season game. They folded down the stretch and lost by one. What will be their fate Saturday in Atlanta?