Virginia Tech falls short in 81-72 loss to Cincinnati

Tech’s season ends in NIT first round

Hokiesports.com

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Virginia Tech’s season came to a close on Wednesday night, as the Hokies fell to Cincinnati, 81-72, in the first round of the NIT.

In his last game as a Hokie, Justyn Mutts eclipsed 1,000 points scored in a Virginia Tech uniform.

The Hokies (19-15) had four players score in double figures, led by Justyn Mutts, who had 19 points and six rebounds. Grant Basile added 17 points and seven rebounds and Hunter Cattoor chipped in as well with 13 points.

Virginia Tech took advantage of great ball movement in Wednesday’s game, piling up 15 assists on 30 made field goals. Individually, Sean Pedulla led the way for the Hokies with five assists and Mj Collins also added four assists of his own.

The Bearcats (22-12) were led by David DeJulius, who dialed up a game-high 21 points, with nine of those coming from the free-throw line.

How It Happened
After falling behind 16-12, Virginia Tech went on a 5-0 run with 12:00 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Basile, to take a 17-16 lead. The Hokies then added three points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 33-29 advantage. Virginia Tech did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 20 of its 33 points close to the basket.

Cincinnati then erased the Virginia Tech lead in the game’s final quarter for an 81-72 comeback victory. Virginia Tech took care of business in the paint, recording 22 of its 39 points in the lane.

Game Notes

» Virginia Tech tallied 15 total assists in the game.
» Justyn Mutts led the Hokies with 19 points.
» Virginia Tech got a team-high seven rebounds from Grant Basile.