November 22, 2002

ST. THOMAS, V.I. - Virginia Tech opened the 2002-03 regular season with a 91-78 loss to St. Bonaventure in the opening game of the 2002 Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Friday (Nov. 22) night.

The Hokies opend the game on an 11-0 run, but the Bonnies fought back and took a 41-38 lead into the intermission. Tech kept the game close throughout the second half, closing to 74-72 with 3:45 remaining on a three-pointer by senior guard Brian Chase. The Bonnie, who did not miss a freethrow in the second half, were able to open the final score to 91-78.

Senior center Terry Taylor led Tech with a career-high 28 points. Carlos Dixon added 19 points and junior Bryant Matthews scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the loss. Senior guard Marques Green led the Bonnies with 28 points.

Tech outrebounded the Bonnies, 40-31, but turned the ball over 25 times in the contest. Tech out shot SBU, 52.7% to 41.8% from the floor, including 17 of 29 in the second half for 58.6%.

Tech returns to action on Sunday night, as they play the University of Michigan at 7:30 p.m. EST.