[caption id="attachment_4503" align="aligncenter" width="700"]![Chris Clarke goes up for a shot against Ole Miss [Credit: Harley Taylor]](//techlunchpail.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/chris-clarke-shoots-against-ole-miss.jpg?w=700)
Chris Clarke goes up for a shot against Ole Miss [Credit: Harley Taylor][/caption]ACC play is almost here for the Virginia Tech Hokies with the ACC opener against Duke looming on Saturday, but the Hokies had one final non-conference game against a UMBC team that entered the night 9-3 to get through. The Hokies didn't have the best first 10 minutes, but Virginia Tech did what they needed to on their way to completing a very good non-conference stretch.
Virginia Tech beat UMBC 87-70 to finish non-conference play with an 11-1 record ahead of Saturday's big ACC showdown in Blacksburg against Duke. The Hokies were in complete control for most of the game with the Retrievers going on a run to make it much closer than the 25-point blowout that the game seemed bound to be as Virginia Tech took their foot off the gas
The Hokies were a little sloppy offensively in the first half but as the game went along, Virginia Tech found more and more offensive rhythm while continuing to be quite effective on fast-break opportunities which has definitely emerged as one of the strengths of this Virginia Tech team. The Hokies continued to build on that offensive momentum with a much more effective second half offensively to help put this game away.
Virginia Tech shot the basketball fairly well from beyond the arc as they went 11-for-28 from beyond the arc with many of those misses coming in the closing minutes from Ty Outlaw and Justin Bibbs who both didn't have great shooting nights. The Hokies' free-throw shooting was disappointing as they went 12-for-20 from the line and will need to do better in ACC play.
Defensively, the Hokies did give up a couple of easier opportunities but Virginia Tech once again did a very good job forcing turnovers especially in the first half as VT forced 11 first half turnovers. The Hokies also improved their rebounding as they were outrebounded 25-22 in the first half including 8-2 on the offensive glass, but took control of the glass in the second half giving up only 3 offensive rebounds.
Chris Clarke was the star of the game with another double-double as he had 22 points and 12 rebounds in what was another great performance for the sophomore forward. Clarke has continued to play better and better throughout non-conference play and has emerged as one of the top players on Virginia Tech's roster that can take over a game as someone who can drive and attack the rim, rebound the ball, and pass at a high level.
Clarke is developing into a star and don't be surprised to see him down the road make an All-ACC team while he should only get better over the course of ACC play.
Ahmed Hill continues to be quite productive as Hill had 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting while Seth Allen had 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Allen has been much more efficient shooting the basketball this season while Hill continues to be the Hokies' most complete scorer that can score in a multitude of ways and create his own offense.
Zach LeDay was once again productive with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks as he seemed to do it all tonight for the Hokies and give Virginia Tech exactly what they needed. LeDay continues to be a reliable player and the main star of a Virginia Tech team that is well on its way to being a NCAA Tournament team right now.
Justin Robinson didn't have his best night with 7 turnovers but also had 12 points and 5 rebounds while shooting the ball well going 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. Justin Bibbs and Ty Outlaw both struggled as they went a combined 2-for-12 from the field including 0-for-7 from beyond the arc for a total of 4 points with both Matt Galloway and Greg Donlon also coming in the closing minute.
The Hokies had proven in non-conference that not only are they a NCAA Tournament but also a team that likely won't have to worry on Selection Sunday about being on the bubble. However, the Hokies now have a chance to really build their resume and prove they should be a top 25 team beginning Saturday at home against one of the favorites to win the national title this year, Duke.
Stay up with The Tech Lunch Pail for the latest on the Hokies via Facebook and Twitter plus subscribe to our email updates.
![Chris Clarke goes up for a shot against Ole Miss [Credit: Harley Taylor]](http://techlunchpail.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/chris-clarke-shoots-against-ole-miss.jpg)
Chris Clarke goes up for a shot against Ole Miss [Credit: Harley Taylor][/caption]ACC play is almost here for the Virginia Tech Hokies with the ACC opener against Duke looming on Saturday, but the Hokies had one final non-conference game against a UMBC team that entered the night 9-3 to get through. The Hokies didn't have the best first 10 minutes, but Virginia Tech did what they needed to on their way to completing a very good non-conference stretch.
Virginia Tech beat UMBC 87-70 to finish non-conference play with an 11-1 record ahead of Saturday's big ACC showdown in Blacksburg against Duke. The Hokies were in complete control for most of the game with the Retrievers going on a run to make it much closer than the 25-point blowout that the game seemed bound to be as Virginia Tech took their foot off the gas
The Hokies were a little sloppy offensively in the first half but as the game went along, Virginia Tech found more and more offensive rhythm while continuing to be quite effective on fast-break opportunities which has definitely emerged as one of the strengths of this Virginia Tech team. The Hokies continued to build on that offensive momentum with a much more effective second half offensively to help put this game away.
Virginia Tech shot the basketball fairly well from beyond the arc as they went 11-for-28 from beyond the arc with many of those misses coming in the closing minutes from Ty Outlaw and Justin Bibbs who both didn't have great shooting nights. The Hokies' free-throw shooting was disappointing as they went 12-for-20 from the line and will need to do better in ACC play.
Defensively, the Hokies did give up a couple of easier opportunities but Virginia Tech once again did a very good job forcing turnovers especially in the first half as VT forced 11 first half turnovers. The Hokies also improved their rebounding as they were outrebounded 25-22 in the first half including 8-2 on the offensive glass, but took control of the glass in the second half giving up only 3 offensive rebounds.
Chris Clarke was the star of the game with another double-double as he had 22 points and 12 rebounds in what was another great performance for the sophomore forward. Clarke has continued to play better and better throughout non-conference play and has emerged as one of the top players on Virginia Tech's roster that can take over a game as someone who can drive and attack the rim, rebound the ball, and pass at a high level.
Clarke is developing into a star and don't be surprised to see him down the road make an All-ACC team while he should only get better over the course of ACC play.
Ahmed Hill continues to be quite productive as Hill had 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting while Seth Allen had 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Allen has been much more efficient shooting the basketball this season while Hill continues to be the Hokies' most complete scorer that can score in a multitude of ways and create his own offense.
Zach LeDay was once again productive with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks as he seemed to do it all tonight for the Hokies and give Virginia Tech exactly what they needed. LeDay continues to be a reliable player and the main star of a Virginia Tech team that is well on its way to being a NCAA Tournament team right now.
Justin Robinson didn't have his best night with 7 turnovers but also had 12 points and 5 rebounds while shooting the ball well going 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. Justin Bibbs and Ty Outlaw both struggled as they went a combined 2-for-12 from the field including 0-for-7 from beyond the arc for a total of 4 points with both Matt Galloway and Greg Donlon also coming in the closing minute.
The Hokies had proven in non-conference that not only are they a NCAA Tournament but also a team that likely won't have to worry on Selection Sunday about being on the bubble. However, the Hokies now have a chance to really build their resume and prove they should be a top 25 team beginning Saturday at home against one of the favorites to win the national title this year, Duke.
Stay up with The Tech Lunch Pail for the latest on the Hokies via Facebook and Twitter plus subscribe to our email updates.
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