Sharp-Shooting Hurricanes Down Virginia Tech, 82-75

Jan. 31, 2010

Box Score  |  Postgame Quotes  |  Postgame Notes

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) –James Dews scored 21 points as Miami defeated Virginia Tech, 82-75, Sunday afternoon for its second ACC win of the season. 

The Hokies rallied from a 19-point deficit with a 24-10 run midway through the second half. J.T. Thompson scored eight points during the run, and his free throw with 7:32 remaining cut Miami’s lead to 65-60.

Virginia Tech (16-4, 3-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) stayed within a five-point deficit and had a final chance to reduce a 75-70 lead with under a minute left. But Malcolm Delaney missed a running jumper with 34 seconds remaining and fouled Reggie Johnson on a put-back attempt.

Johnson — among the ACC’s leaders in free throw percentage versus conference competition — converted both free throws, securing the victory.

Malcolm Grant and Durand Scott scored 13 and 12 points as Miami (16-5, 2-5) avenged an 81-66 loss at Virginia Tech on Jan. 13 and snapped a four-game skid.

Dorenzo Hudson led Virginia Tech with 22 points, while Jeff Allen added 19 points.

The Hurricanes got off to a strong start, converting 70 percent of their field goals — including 62.5 percent from long range — in the opening half en route to the 47-30 halftime lead.

Miami’s shooting cooled off slightly in the second half, however UM still hit 55.6 percent from the field and 11-of-14 from the line in the decisive half, to finish a season-best 63.2 percent from the field in the win.

“Obviously it was a great win for us, one that we really needed,” said Miami head coach Frank Haith. “Our guys really showed a lot of character and toughness down the stretch. We wanted to come out and get a good start and we did that.  I’m really proud of our guys.”