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Virginia Tech Hokies vs Miami Hurricanes: Preview

In the last regular season game for the Hokies they will host bitter rival Miami on senior night in the Cassell.

NCAA Basketball: Virginia Tech at Florida State
Ahmed Hill and the Hokies look to bounce following a tough loss to Florida State.
Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight is the last regular season game for the Hokies and the last at Cassell for our seniors. Before we jump into the preview lets take a look at our seniors this year.

The Hokies will be losing Ahmed Hill, Ty Outlaw, and Justin Robinson to graduation this year and will greatly miss their impact on the game. Outlaw and Hill both have been starters most of the year and are their to space the floor with their perimeter shooting. Both guys have had big games this year and hit big shots for Virginia Tech on several occasions.

For Robinson, the all time leader in assists at Virginia Tech, he may be one of the most iconic Hokies in school history. He scores, passes, defends, and dances on the bench when he’s injured. He loves Virginia Tech and Hokie Nation loves him. He’s had an enormous impact in the rebuild of our program and will go down as a Hokie legend.

Back to the Miami game...

The Hokies won the first match up between these two teams in earlier in the year and will be looking to repeat that success. On the year, Miami is a lackluster 13-16 and haven’t yet had a significant win.

Scoring for the Canes is guard Chris Lykes. Despite being undersized, Lykes uses his speed and shooting to average over 16 ppg for the Canes on the year. In addition to Lykes, four other Hurricanes average double figures on the year and all together the five account for 63 of the teams 72 ppg.

One other advantage Miami may have is with size. They have four guys on their roster standing 6’10” or taller and will look to win the battle of the paint. To do so, they must shut down Kerry Blackshear Jr. who has been playing the best basketball of his career as of late (minus the Florida State game).

For Tech this one is kind of simple. Don’t choke. Even without Justin Robinson this is better and more talented team top to bottom. The Hokies need to play their game on don’t let this one slip away. They blew a lead last time out and I assume aren’t too happy with themselves.

While beating Miami wouldn’t be a signature win, it would still be huge to close out the year. In March, momentum is everything. Heading into the ACC tournament on a win rather than two losses could flip the mindset for Virginia Tech.

It’ll be a special night in the Cassell for the Hokies as we send out our seniors. It’s another sell out in Blacksburg and it’ll be a rowdy crowd with spring break just beginning. Be sure to tune in at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2 and always....

GO HOKIES!!!!!