Hunter Cattoor picked a superb time to have the finest match of his occupation. The junior sharpshooter scored 31 details, taking pictures 7-9 from beyond the arc, in one the most spectacular showings a Hokie has at any time had in a one sport.
Virginia Tech led for over 30 minutes of the championship activity, mirroring the domination that it showed through substantially of the tournament. From the get started, it was apparent that the Hokies would generate an elite shooting general performance that experienced carried them so far in the 12-2 operate primary into Saturday night’s video game. Cattoor and Keve Aluma, who had 19 factors, have been a handful for the Blue Devil’s protection.
Elite 3-place shooting aside, the Hokies attained the championship contest by bringing intensity in all elements of its video game, specially defense. Just after weathering the early storm of Duke matching it bucket-for-bucket, seventh-seeded Virginia Tech dominated the boards in opposition to the oversized Duke front court, reeling in 37 boards to Duke’s 36. The Hokies created 10 turnovers, which ended up turned into 14 factors.
Lifting the ACC trophy appeared to be a pipe dream on Wednesday evening, when Clemson held a two-level lead more than Tech with only 6 seconds remaining in additional time. Cue the starting of the legend that Hokies now know as ‘March Maddox.’


On Thursday and Friday, Virginia Tech took the floor from increased-seeded opposition in Notre Dame and North Carolina. Each groups posed a problem for the Hokies in unique techniques, but the knowledgeable Tech squad weathered all that the Battling Irish and Tar Heels threw at them.


The Hokies’ run was a reflection of the squad that made it. In a team that showcased the similar starting up lineup all year – a lineup comprised of 4 gamers that weren’t even committed to participate in superior-big school hoops – regularity received game titles.
HOW IT Transpired

Both equally groups started off out taking pictures lights out, heading into the first media timeout a merged 11-15 from the area and the Hokies leading 14-12. Factors balanced out shortly just after and Virginia Tech went 5 minutes and 49 seconds without having scoring right up until Hunter Cattoor drove for a layup. Cattoor’s scoring became a headline in the initially fifty percent, as the junior shot 5-7 from the area, accumulating 17 points. Virginia Tech grew its guide to as several as seven just before the Blue Devils completed the next 50 % on a 4- run. At the split, Tech led 42-39.


The Hokies came out firing again in the 2nd 50 percent, specially Cattoor, who scored nine of Tech’s first 13 points in the second half. Both equally groups traded baskets once Virginia Tech assumed an 8-point direct with fouls turning out to be more commonplace as the half prolonged. Nevertheless, the fight-analyzed Hokies stood their floor via all Duke surges. Cattoor continued to provide points, while Justyn Mutts and Keve Aluma created performs on each ends of the flooring. Nahiem Alleyne and Storm Murphy were being amazing as can be with the rock as Tech saw out the contest for an 82-67 gain.
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