Why the hell do I get to recap all of the Hokies’ losses? Ugh. Well, here we go …

The Hokies second true road game played out just like the first: a slow and sloppy first half, followed by a comeback in the second half that just fell short.

The monarchs scored more points in the first 18 minutes and 15 seconds than the Hokies’ previous two opponents did in 40. The 45-33 deficit was the largest first half margin of difference all season. The monarchs shot LIGHTS OUT in the first half: 18 of 30 from the floor, including 7 of 8 from 3-pt land. The Hokies shot 41% from the field in the first half, but then came out on fire in the second half with a 8-0 run. However, in the end, the Hokies shot worse in the second half (37%) than the first, but held the monarchs to just 10 of 27 shooting as the stellar defense from the last 3 games finally showed up.

The most disappointing aspect of the night was the Hokies’ 16 turnovers, which led to 25 odu points. Compare that to the 7 POT (points off turnovers) for Tech, and there is your ball game. 16 turnovers is a season high for the Hokies.

A.D. Vassallo and Jeff Allen led the Hokies (again) on offense. Allen recorded another double double with 13 pts and 16 boards. Vassallo knocked in 20, including a 3 point bomb in the final seconds to close the gap to 2 at 71-69. Tech got the ball back after a missed odu free throw, down 3, but Jeff Allen could not convert on a drive to the hoop with 9 seconds remaining. This is the second time that I have to question the shot selection in the final seconds (the first being against penn state). With only 9 to go, I would have pitched it back out to A.D. or Delaney for the three, but I’m sure they were both heavily guarded. Still, A.D. was 4 of 5 from behind the arc tonight and a couple of those makes were NBA range. 9 seconds is just not enough time to go for 2 when you are down 3.

It looks like Malcolm Delaney might be filling some of the void on offense as he pitched in 17 tonight, including 7 of 8 from the line (however, his only miss was down the stretch). Expect him to start instead of Thorns as Hank only played 11 minutes tonight and did not look his best.

The Hokies scored 69 points tonight and lost. If you read this site at all, you should know that this is a rare occurrence. It’s only the third time it has happened in the past 23 games that the Hokies scored at least 69 in regulation.

I am almost at the end of my recap and I haven’t even included Deron. Well, my Mom always told me that if I can’t say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all. Just check out his line in the box score. It was a tough night for him.

Finally, some commentary. Trust me, I am as excited about the new blood as the next fan, but I am beginning to question the possibility of a NIT berth this season. I know there is a LONG way to go, but games like tonight are the ones we need to win to have a shot. Next up is a home game against the flames of liberty on Wednesday night. Gary is doing the recap, so expect a W.

Niemo’s Notes:

• Hey, Wick, it is the holiday season!  Bury your bah-humbug and quit sounding like the Grinch!
• VT led 2-0 but odu led the rest of the way after going ahead 5-2 two minutes into the game.
• VT held odu’s best player, gerald lee, to just 10 points and 4 rebounds.  That’s what makes the 45 first half points even more troubling, he had only 6 at the break but odu’s bench was a perfect 5/5 in the first half on three’s, and 7/8 overall.
• Since Wick wouldn’t say it, I’ll show it - Deron - 4/15 on FG’s, 3/8 on FT’s.  Not good.
• Dorenzo Hudson did make his debut (#2) but was just a defensive sub twice late in the game and played just 1 minute.