No. 22 Miami Downs Virginia Tech, 83-77
March 2, 2002
MIAMI (AP) – Elton Tyler scored a season-high 24 points and No. 22 Miamiheld off Virginia Tech 83-77 Saturday, tying the school record for mostvictories in a season.
The Hurricanes (23-6, 10-6 Big East), who beat the Hokies twice this season,struggled down the stretch but reached the 23-victory mark for the third timein four years.
After building a 58-38 lead five minutes into the second half, Miami watchedVirginia Tech (10-18, 4-12) narrow the gap to 72-69 on Carlton Carter’s basketwith 4:20 left.
Tyler, a senior playing his final home game, responded with a jump shot andafter a basket and two free throws by senior John Salmons, Miami increased itslead to 77-69 with 2:10 to play.
Darius Rice had 14 points for Miami, while Marcus Barnes and James Joneseach added 13 and Salmons had 11 points and 10 assists.
Bryant Matthews led Virginia Tech with 15 points, while Carlos Dixon had 14points and Brian Chase 12, each making four 3-pointers.
The Hokies, who were 11-for-23 from 3-point range, shot 62 percent from thefield in the second half.
Miami is one-half game ahead of St. John’s for second place in the EastDivision of the Big East. If St. John’s loses at Villanova on Sunday, theHurricanes would have a first-round bye in next week’s conference tournament.Should St. John’s win, however, the Red Storm would win the tie-breaker andhave the bye.
Virginia Tech finished last in the division and will not participate in theconference tournament.
Tyler, who had eight rebounds, scored 20 points in the first half as theHurricanes took a 43-31 lead. The senior center was 8-for-11 from the field,including one 3-pointer.
The Hurricanes went on a 15-3 run and took a 32-15 lead on Jones’ layup with6:35 left.
