Men's Basketball Tops Virginia Tech, 79-71
March 5, 2003
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) – James Jones had 21 points and Eric Wilkins added 19as Miami beat Virginia Tech 79-71 Wednesday night, leaving the teams’ Big EastTournament hopes hanging on their final regular season games.
Tech (11-17, 4-11 Big East) must now beat West Virginia on the road Saturdayand hope that Miami (11-15, 4-11) loses at home to St. John’s. The Hokies wouldhave clinched a spot with a win over the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes built several first-half leads of up to nine points early onbut Virginia Tech battled back each time to keep it close.
After two Carlos Dixon baskets tied the score at 21-21, Miami outscored Tech17-9 over the last 6:50 to take a 38-30 halftime lead.
With Miami ahead 48-38 with 16:32 left, Virginia Tech reeled off 10 straightpoints in 3 1/2 minutes to tie the score at 48. Miami later had another10-point lead before the Hokies scored 10 straight to knot it again at 63-63.
The Hurricanes outscored Virginia Tech 16-7 to put the game away.
Terry Taylor and Bryant Matthews each scored 16 for Tech. Taylor also had 10rebounds.
Miami and Virginia Tech are tied for sixth place in the East Division, butthe Hurricanes have beaten the Hokies twice this season. Miami would go to thepostseason tournament at Madison Square Garden unless they lose and Tech winsthis weekend.
