Late Push Gives Hokies 7154 Win Over Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky After more than 30 minutes of festivity, Virginia Tech went on a 21-7 run Tuesday night in a 71-54 loss to Louisville.

With the win, the Hawkeyes (17-13, 7-12) snapped a nine-game losing streak that began on January 30, 1991 at Louisville.

Justin Mattes was Tech's eighth double-double of the night with 13 points and 12 rebounds. He began the game with just six attempts to reach 1,000 career rebounds. Mutts became only the second active player (Ahsanullah of Lipscomb) to record 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds and 400 assists in Division I men's basketball.

Grant Basil paced the Hawks with 18 points and seven rebounds. Hunter Couture scored 11 points and Shane Pedula scored 10 to join Basile and Mutt in double figures.

Virginia Tech's defense is stout, as Louisville is shooting just 14.3 percent from deep.

Offensively, the Hawks chipped in a season-high 18 offensive boards and recorded a season-low five rebounds.

El Ellis and Mike James each contributed 14 points for the Cardinals (4-26, 2-17).

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How did it happen?

After leading 8-6, Virginia Tech went on an 8-0 run to take a 14-8 lead with 13:20 left in the first half. The Hawkeyes added two points to that lead late in the game and took a 35-27 lead into halftime. Virginia Tech turned Louisville's seven turnovers into nine points at home.

Virginia Tech took the lead before going on a 14-0 run with a 3-pointer from Sean Pedula with 4:29 left in the contest to make it 62:47. The Hokies continued to hold onto their lead and won 71-54. Virginia Tech shot well from three-point range in the first half, going 6 and 18 for 36 from deep.

Game notes

Justin Mattes had a double-double for the Hawkeyes with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Virginia Tech never got going in the second half on their way to a win.
Virginia Tech had 16 assists in the game.
Virginia Tech led on the board 39-38 in the win.
Virginia Tech turned the ball over five times with 16 assists.
Virginia Tech cleaned up the offensive glass, collecting a game-high 18 offensive boards.

Gallery : (28-28-2023) MBB: Louisville