Looking at the Virginia Tech men's basketball schedule a few weeks ago, the regular season finale against Notre Dame looked like just another game with the Hokies falling in the bottom half of the ACC standings. After two wins, the game suddenly becomes a big one for the Hokies and head coach Mike Young.
Virginia Tech will not only be looking to get the Irish back after last month's loss in South Bend, Indiana, but it will also be looking to avoid play on the first day of the ACC Tournament next week and get a bye on the second day. If the Hokies win, they will play in an 8-9 game next Wednesday in Washington, D.C., avoiding the opening day game at Capital One Arena. If they have the vision to do well in the tournament, that would be huge.
12-18 (7-12 ACC). March 9. A.C.C. 447. 443. ESPNU. 17-13 (9-10 ACC).2:30pm
The game begins at 2:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPNU and streamed on FuboTV.
Virginia Tech entered the game with back-to-back 80-point differentials and wins over Wake Forest and Louisville. After falling behind in last Saturday night's game against the Demon Deacons, the Hokies cut a double-digit deficit to nine points at halftime and outscored Wake Forest by scoring 50 points in the second half. Against Louisville, he scored 49 points in the first half, paving the way for a 16-point victory.
In the first matchup in February, the Hokies jumped out to a 39-35 lead in the first half, but struggled offensively and defensively in the second half, losing 74-66. The Irish have had strong performances this season from Marcus Burton and Braden Shrewsberry, who were big contributors to Notre Dame's win last month. Barton scored 16 points against the Hokies and Shrewsbury added 12 points.
This is also the last home game of the regular season for the Virginia Tech seniors, and they hope to send them off with a win.
