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Just four days after what was probably the best Hokies’ performance under Buzz Williams, they turned in their worst performance under his tenure against NC State. It all started on the defensive end. The Wolfpack hit the century mark with a minute and a half left in the second half, which is an embarrassment considering how much Williams emphasizes defense.
Minutes before tip-off, Khadim Sy sustained an injury which meant he was a scratch for tonight, and the Wolfpack made the Hokies pay on the glass and in the paint. Virginia Tech could not stay in front of anyone, allowing double digit dunks, which was a result of a lack of rim protection and effort.
However, most of the credit should go to NC State. It was the Dennis Smith Jr. show, as the outstanding freshman went for 27/11/11/5, posting the second triple double in NC State history. He was one of three Wolfpack players with a 20 point night, along with Terry Henderson and Abdul-Malik Abu.
In the end, this is just one game. The ACC has been so wild this year, that it is tough to gauge how good each team is compared to another. The Wolfpack came off an 18 point loss in Miami only to destroy the Hokies by 26 tonight.
Virginia Tech needs to regroup and put this one in the rearview as they travel to Tallahassee to take on #12 FSU on Saturday.