GAME NOTES: The Virginia Tech Hokies hope to keep their perfect record at home intact as they play host to the Eagles of Eastern Michigan in a non-conference clash at Cassell Coliseum.
This will be the first all-time meeting between EMU and Virginia Tech. Neither school has faced an opponent from their counterpart's respective conference this season.
EMU is 5-6 after it snapped its five-game losing streak with a 52-48 win over Radford its last time out. The Eagles are in the midst of an eight-game road trip. Rob Murphy's team knocked down 46.7 percent of its shots from three- point range to achieve a victory over Radford. EMU is normally a shaky team offensively as it averages only 55.1 ppg on 37.8 percent shooting from the floor. Murphy is just in his first season with the school, a win over Virginia Tech would be a huge accomplishment for the rookie head coach.
The Eagles' frontcourt was upgraded before the matchup with Radford as Da'Shonte Riley surprisingly received an eligibility waiver from the NCAA. The Syracuse transfer provides size as his 7-0, 233-pound frame gives the Eagles increased depth at the center position. Riley scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds in his debut. Darrell Lampley, the only player on EMU with a scoring average in double-figures, is grateful for the additional help. Lampley's 15.3 ppg average is 7th best in the MAC, but could go up with Riley demanding attention.
Virginia Tech is currently on a four-game winning streak after taking down Rhode Island, Norfolk State, Campbell, and North Florida in its last four appearances. The Hokies also have notable wins over St. Bonaventure and FIU on their resume. Virginia Tech has proven it can handle mid-major opponents, all three of its losses came to school's from major conferences (Syracuse, Minnesota, and Kansas State). The Hokies are decent offensively as they are averaging 71.6 ppg on 45.9 percent shooting from the field.
The Hokies' depth took a hit when backup guard Tyrone Garland announced he would transfer over the weekend. The key rotation should not change too much for Seth Greenberg's team despite the loss. Erick Green will still be the focal point of the offense as the junior guard comes in averaging 15.7 ppg, which is fifth best in the ACC. Dorenzo Hudson is second on the team with 11.6 ppg and has heated up recently. Hudson scored 15 points on Saturday against Campbell before posting 16 on Monday in the win over North Florida. Green and Hudson are going to be a very difficult combo to contain for the Eagles.
EMU has certainly gotten better with the addition of Riley, but it might not be enough to push it past Virginia Tech. Lampley will have to produce another monster scoring night like he did against Colgate (37 points) to keep his team close. Green and Hudson should be able to score at will in this one.
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