November 25, 2002

VT 58, Toledo 45

Box Score

 

ST. THOMAS, V.I. - Virginia Tech clamped down defensively on Toledo and defeated the Rockets, 58-45, in men's college basketball action Monday night at the UVI Sport and Fitness Center. With the victory, the Hokies claimed third place in the second annual Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, V.I.

The Hokies, now 2-1 on the season, held the Rockets to just 27.6% from the field, including 24.1% in the first half. Although Toledo outrebounded Tech, 42-31, the Hokies committed just nine turnovers and just two in the second half.

The lead was exchanged several times in the first half, before Tech went on a 16-4 run in the late stages of the period and took a 25-20 lead into intermission. Toledo scored the first five points of the second period to tie the game 25-25, but Tech went on a 10-2 run to open up a lead and never looked back.

Junior forward Bryant Matthews led the Hokies with 16 points and junior guard Carlos Dixon added 14 points. Freshman forward Philip McCandies came off the bench to spark Tech, scoring 13 points and leading the Hokies with eight rebounds. Richardo Thomas led Toledo with 18 points and eight rebounds.

Senior center Terry Taylor, who earlier in the day was named the BIG EAST Conference Player of the week, was named to the all-tournament team. Toledo falls to 1-2 on the year.

Tech returns to action on Friday, Nov. 29, as the Hokies host American at 7 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum.