ACC Preview: Virginia Tech vs. Miami
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Time: noon.
TV: WDCA (Channel 20), WNUV (Channel 54).
Radio: WWXT (92.7 FM), WWXX (94.3 FM), WTEM (980 AM).
Records: Hokies 17-13, 7-9; Hurricanes 18-11, 7-9.
Up and at 'Em: Virginia Tech Coach Seth Greenberg said such an early game will be won by the team most prepared to play in what likely will be a sterile environment. Miami Coach Frank Haith said the Hurricanes are confident because of their previous success with early tip-offs -- Miami is 3-0 in games that started at noon this season -- but emphasized the importance of warmups. Greenberg pushed Wednesday's evening activities up an hour to try to ensure that his players wind down in time. Hokies forward Jeff Allen said the early wake-up call might make things difficult. "It's a big adjustment," Allen said. "You're used to going to sleep at 2 o'clock every night. But we're going to get our rest."
Avoiding the Pressure: Both Virginia Tech's and Miami's players are aware of the bubble situation and know the importance of Thursday's game. Both coaches addressed it with their teams and tried to emphasize that the next game is all that matters. Miami's Jimmy Graham said bubble teams keep getting knocked out, but his mentality is that the Hurricanes need to play to win the ACC tournament. Allen thinks the Hokies need to win two games to feel comfortable. Greenberg's message to his team on Tuesday night was simple: "Who wants to get in?"
Battle of Baltimore: Virginia Tech's Malcolm Delaney and Miami's Jack McClinton are two of the top scorers in the ACC, and their relationship extends back to their Baltimore roots. The winner of Thursday's game might come down to who gets the better of the matchup. McClinton's 19.7 points per game ranked third in the ACC, and Delaney averaged 18.2 points to finish sixth. In the Hokies' 88-83 overtime win over the Hurricanes on Jan. 25, Delaney scored 29 and McClinton finished with 20. Both like to trade verbal barbs during the game. The louder one? "Depends who's going off," McClinton said. "Of course, when you're making shots, you can talk more. So whoever's on does the talking."
-- Zach Berman
