I Spoke Too Soon

Yes, I will be watching intently as the Hokies take on the Tar Heels tonight, but I'll be doing so from the recording on my DVR. The fiancee and I are meeting with a travel agent tonight at 7pm to plan our honeymoon, so I won't be able to watch the game until that is over. What does that mean for you? DON'T CALL ME OR TEXT ME ABOUT THE GAME TONIGHT! I'd like to watch it without knowing the outcome, if that's at all possible, so please don't ruin my fun.

Some quick hits for the game tonight:
- UNC is the best shooting team in the ACC and VT's only chance to win is to keep their scoring down. Easier said than done.
- UNC's bench is somewhat human, unlike their starters. If Tech can get UNC into foul trouble, that will go a long way. Bobby Frasor is a much better matchup for us than Ty Lawson or Wayne Ellington.
- Keep Tyler Hansbrough, Deon Thompson, and Ed Davis off of the offensive boards. UNC doesn't need more opportunities than they already get to score the ball.
- Not one of UNC's players averages 2 or more turnovers per game. The Hokies have 3 players who average more than 2 turnovers per game. The Hokies need to beat that stat, force turnovers, and keep the ball when they have possession.
- So basically, UNC does everything better than VT... their stats are just better than ours, but that doesn't mean the Hokies can't overcome their averages for one game and force the Tar Heels to play much worse than their averages. This game comes down to determination and will.
- Tonight is Senior Night at Cassell Coliseum where AD Vassallo and Cheick Diakite may both play their last home game in a VT uniform. How will they respond to that? Last year Deron Washington and Marcus Travis responded very well, leading the Hokies to a blowout victory over Wake Forest. Travis had a slicing layup and a beautiful no-look pass that ended in a dunk to go along with 2 steals in just 12 minutes. Washington was the Player of the Game going 8-13 from the field, 2-3 from downtown, and 4-5 from the free throw line. He also collected 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Will Vassallo and Diakite elevate their games for Senior Night as well? They certainly need to for us to have a chance of winning.