Today Miami attempts to salvage what was to be a breakout season, hoping to secure one of two wins necessary to have a shot at March Madness. This is the final run for four seniors who have seen the program go from near-empty arena to hot tub in the arena. (Whatever happens, they should be given pink hearts for Contributions to College Sluttery Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.)
Odds: Vegas has the 'Canes at -3.5. I think. May not have interpreted that correctly. Winslow's the addict expert.
Miami
Seed: 9
Record: 18-11, 7-9 ACC
Starters: G Lance Hurdle (7.4 ppg), G Jack McClinton, G (19.7 ppg, 46.4% 3-pt FG, 88.5% FT, more ass than a bus seat), G James Dews (8.5 ppg), F Brian Asbury (8.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), F Dwayne Collins (10.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 58.0% FG)
Top reserves: F Adrian Thomas (5.0 ppg), F Cyrus McGowan (4.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
Outlook: Not as grim as one might think for a team hanging onto the bubble of March Madness by Jack McClinton's hangnail. If he's on fire, and the team is motivated, look out.
Pitfall: The Hurricanes are 0-3 in overtime.
Virginia Tech
Seed: 8
Record: 17-13, 7-9 ACC
Starters: G Malcom Delaney (18.2 ppg, 3.8 apg, 1.5 spg), G Hank Thorns (2.8 ppg), G A.D. Vassallo (18.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 37.5% 3-pt FG), F Jeff Allen (13.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.8 spg), C Chuck Diakite (3.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
Top reserves: G Dorenzo Hudson (4.0 ppg)
Outlook: Not too shabby. The Hokies hung with Duke and UNC, and beat Wake Forest at home.
Pitfall: VaTech has lost six of their last seven games. Confidence is not at a premium.
One to watch who isn't Jack McClinton: Brian Asbury has scored in double figures in six of the last seven games.
Previously: Virginia Tech has already tasted victory (spoiler: toasted coconut), winning 88-83 in overtime on Jan. 25.
TV: Raycom, the Middle Management of Televison
Radio: wqam.com
Interwebs: stream live here. It's even legal!
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