:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53740663/usa_today_9948982.0.jpg)
Virginia Tech, making their first tournament appearance in a decade, could not overcome a Wisconsin second half lead and fell 84-74 to end their season. It was not all in their control, however. First it was Seth Allen’s ankle injury. Then it was questionable officiating. Then it was just the ball bouncing the wrong way off the rim. The Hokies could not catch a break, cutting the lead down to one five times in the second half but failed to take the lead.
The problems that plagued the Hokies all season made another appearance late Thursday night. Wisconsin dominated the offensive glass, ending the game with an absurd 21 offensive rebounds. Needless to say, the Hokies could have really used Blackshear and Clarke today.
The real story of the game was Wisconsin’s unstoppable shooting night. Bronson Koenig, who is a very good player to his credit, made an NCAA Tournament Wisconsin record eight triples, some of which were just impossible shots. Wisconsin ended the game shooting 13-of-31 from behind the arc.
The Badgers had also struggled from the free throw line all year, but finally righted the ship tonight. The best example of this was Nigel Hayes, a 58% free throw shooter, who went 8-of-9 from the line tonight. The probability of that is .537%. Like I said, the Hokies couldn’t catch a break.
While I don’t mean to downplay that the Hokies’ season is over, the real losses tonight were Zach LeDay and Seth Allen. They have given everything to this program, and it would not be anywhere near the tournament without them. Zach LeDay received an emotional embrace from Buzz as he exited the game with his fifth foul, finishing the game with 23 points, 17 of which came in the second half. Allen, meanwhile, led the team with 6 assists and added 10 points on the night.
FINAL: #Hokies can't get over the hump in Buffalo, lose 84-74.
— Gobbler Country (@gobblercountry) March 17, 2017
Thank you SO much Zach and Seth. We wouldn't be here without you.
****************
Thank you guys so much for reading this year. I had a blast covering this team, especially with those shiny press passes. Let me know if you want me to do anything else for next season.
- Jawhar