UMBC Retrievers at Virginia Tech Hokies

Clarke's double-double leads Virginia Tech over UMBC 87-70

Ahmed Hill added 18, Seth Allen chipped in with 17 and Zach LeDay had 14 for the Hokies (11-1). UMBC (9-4) made a game of it early in the first half before ice cold shooting (25 percent, 9-36 at the break) left them down 40-27.

"We like to move the ball and find good shots," said Clarke, who added after the game that the Tech defense "still needs some work."

Virginia Tech pulled away in the second half, hitting six 3-point shots after the break to help pad that lead before UMBC made a late run. The Hokies finished with 11 3-pointers.

"I think they're ready (for conference play)," Virginia Tech head coach Buzz Williams said of his team after the game. "I think most teams at this time of the year are anxious to finish nonconference and get going."

Jairus Lyles led UMBC with 21 points. The Retrievers shot just 36 percent overall compared to 49 percent for the Hokies.

"They're a good athletic team," said UMBC head coach Ryan Odom. "They have big athletic wings . and several point guards that can pressure the ball. Inside. they make it tough to score around the rim."

Virginia Tech was able to give its bench players some floor time and they contributed 33 points.

"We have Seth and Zach coming off the bench," noted Clarke. "That's like having two starters on the bench."

"We have a lot of work to do to have a chance to compete (in the ACC)," cautioned Williams.

BIG PICTURE

UMBC: Head coach Ryan Odom knows Blacksburg very well, having spent seven seasons as an assistant under former Tech head coach Seth Greenberg. This is the first season as Retrievers head coach for the son of former Wake Forest head coach Dave Odom.

"We love this place, my family and I," said Odom, "it was a great seven years for us. We had a great time."

Virginia Tech: Now comes the hard part. After breezing through the nonconference schedule with an 11-1 record, the Hokies open their ACC schedule against No. 5 Duke on Saturday, albeit in the more friendly confines of Cassell Coliseum, instead of on the road at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

Williams said afterward, "It will take a monumental effort for us to have a chance on Saturday."

STAT OF THE NIGHT

UP NEXT

UMBC doesn't play its first America East Conference game until Jan. 5 against Binghamton; Wednesday's tilt was the second AEC school Virginia Tech has played this season. The Hokies beat Maine in their opener 80-67.

Tech visits the Blue Devils on Saturday, and then plays its next two ACC games on the road at North Carolina State on Wednesday and at No. 20 Florida State on Jan. 7. The Hokies are home again against Syracuse on Jan. 10 to begin a three-game home stand.

How can I watch UMBC vs. Virginia Tech?

• TV Channel: UMBC at Virginia Tech 2021 College Basketball, week 8, is broadcasted on ACCNX.
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