Last year, Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg made an impassioned plea for his Hokies to get an NCAA tournament bid after losing to UNC in the ACC tournament. Ultimately, his argument came down to the fact that while Virginia Tech lost, they lost close games. That did not cut it last year and it will not work this year.
Florida State finished off Virginia Tech's NCAA Tournament hopes by beating the Hokies. Toney Douglas was the best player on the court, and led the defensive effort to shut down the Hokies.
The frustration by Virginia Tech players was palpable as they could not get clean looks. A.D. Vassallo and Malcolm Delaney may have led the Hokies with 27 points, but shot only 8-for-27 to do that. Frequently, they lagged on getting back on defense because they were too busy complaining to the refs that they were fouled when they went inside.
The Hokies lost four games in the non-conference schedule by a total of five points. Three of their conference losses were by a combined seven points. The flip side is that they won two non-conference games by five points or less. They also won five conference games by five points or less. So, that's seven close wins and seven close losses. All of which suggests that the Hokies are just where they belong.
A good team, but not quite good enough. Sitting just off of the bubble and looking for another NIT bid.
