Virginia Tech, NIT 3/15 9:00 PM ESPN2

[longtimefan]

Seems they could delay for a week.

[swilsonsp4]

Correct. We had planned for floor maintenance in the arena and 5/3 will not be available for another home game. I’m guessing the maintenance was a big 12 logo related

John Cunninghams was subbing for Wes Miller on the coach's show tonight. He said that the entire floor is to be sanded down, which has been planned for a while. The contractor had been hoping to get started earlier, but UC was holding up the work in the event of an NIT home game. That said, the work must begin immediately because it will take several weeks to complete and they must be done before graduation ceremonies at 5th/3rd.

[leeraymond]

Tonight's NIT game represents a great opportunity for Miller to get a rare national win in his first two years at UC. Although VA Tech has two somewhat bad losses (GA Tech and Boston College) and a 7-game losing streak (in conference), this team has A LOT of very good wins on the season (North Carolina, Penn St., Dayton, Okla. St., Duke, Syracuse, Virginia, and Pitt just to name the best wins). Tell me something; is that the wins list of an NCAA team or what? How in the %$#@ did this team get left out of the NCAA tourney? At any rate, on paper both UC and VA Tech look very similar. They both are somewhat bad defensive teams (both teams give up about 70 points a game in conference). However, UC scores slightly more points a game (76 to 73 in-conference). VA Tech shoots a better percentage (46% to 44.6%), but teams shoot a higher percentage against them (46% to 42.8%). Both teams turn the ball over about 10 times a game (in conference) and UC has a slight edge on the boards by about 3 a game. So, there it is.

Once again, this game is a BIG time chance for Miller to show that he can win some of these BIG time games. The game is AT HOME and it will be NATIONALLY televised. Miller has not had much success in these types of games. I am very much rooting for Miller to get this win. He is such a nice guy and he tries awfully hard. He needs this win. Go take the win Miller.

[swilsonsp4]

The last team in the NCAA field as an at-large entrant were Pitt. They finished the season at #67 in the NCAA NET rankings. VA Tech finished #76. (UC finished #70.)

In KenPom, the Panthers are #77, while VT sit at #81. (UC are #56.) The KenPom offensive and defensive efficiency ranking for the Hokies are #37 and #140. UC's rankings in those categories are #54 and #65 (out of 363 D1 teams).

[Some more info: The Cats' foe with the closest efficiency rankings to the Hokies were Tulane (#88 offensive and #145 defensive). However, that's where any similarities end. The Wave finished as the #2 team in adjusted tempo (playing fast), while VT are at #214. The Hokies are going to try to slow down the pace of play. The Bearcats play as the #120 team in tempo, which is in the upper third.]

[red_n_black_attack]

Seems they could delay for a week.

Agreed! Basketball home games or a college graduation that could be at Nippert? Pinto needs to make that call, but I'd put graduation outdoors.

[red_n_black_attack]

Tonight's NIT game represents a great opportunity for Miller to get a rare national win in his first two years at UC. Although VA Tech has two somewhat bad losses (GA Tech and Boston College) and a 7-game losing streak (in conference), this team has A LOT of very good wins on the season (North Carolina, Penn St., Dayton, Okla. St., Duke, Syracuse, Virginia, and Pitt just to name the best wins). Tell me something; is that the wins list of an NCAA team or what? How in the %$#@ did this team get left out of the NCAA tourney? At any rate, on paper both UC and VA Tech look very similar. They both are somewhat bad defensive teams (both teams give up about 70 points a game in conference). However, UC scores slightly more points a game (76 to 73 in-conference). VA Tech shoots a better percentage (46% to 44.6%), but teams shoot a higher percentage against them (46% to 42.8%). Both teams turn the ball over about 10 times a game (in conference) and UC has a slight edge on the boards by about 3 a game. So, there it is.

Once again, this game is a BIG time chance for Miller to show that he can win some of these BIG time games. The game is AT HOME and it will be NATIONALLY televised. Miller has not had much success in these types of games. I am very much rooting for Miller to get this win. He is such a nice guy and he tries awfully hard. He needs this win. Go take the win Miller.

Q: "How in the %$#@ did this team get left out of the NCAA tourney?"
A: That seven game month long losing streak in December 21st thru Jan 21st probably cost the Hokies an at-large bid and going 4-4 in February with losses to Boston College and Ga Tech didn't help.

[leeraymond]

Q: "How in the %$#@ did this team get left out of the NCAA tourney?"
A: That seven game month long losing streak in December 21st thru Jan 21st probably cost the Hokies an at-large bid and going 4-4 in February with losses to Boston College and Ga Tech didn't help.

Yeah. You are probably right about that.

[leo from jersey]

well espn plus for now

[leo from jersey]

good they are switching

[leo from jersey]

jd and skillings coming in

[leo from jersey]

great shot selection Landers

[Pharmfam]

Skillings is a real spark off the bench

[leo from jersey]

we will like Skillings

[longtimefan]

Hey Coach, let Skillings play 30 minutes tonight.

[leo from jersey]

shot selection guys