December 21, 2006

Box Score

Virginia Tech 80, Seton Hall 61

 

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Virginia Tech used strong play from its four guards and a 25-2 run early in the second half to defeat Seton Hall, 80-61, in the Aeropostale Classic at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night in New York, N.Y.

The Hokies, now 8-3 overall, took a 38-31 lead into the intermission, before Seton Hall scored five of the first seven points of the second half to cut the lead to 40-36. Tech then went on a 25-2 run over the next nine-plus minutes to ice the game. Tech would lead by as many as 28 points before the 80-61 final. With the loss, Seton Hall falls to 6-2 on the season.

"I thought we played terrific team defense, especially in the second half," head coach Seth Greenberg said. "We did a great job containing the ball. We turned them over and got run outs. We had a lot of guys contributing."

Jamon Gordon scored 22 points and Zabian Dowdell and Nigel Munson added 12 points each in the win for the Hokies. Gordon also had eight rebounds, three assists and seven steals in the contest. With his second basket of the game, Gordon became the 36^th player in Virginia Tech history to record 1,000 career points.

Tech held the Pirates to 27.7 percent from the floor, while shooting 51.7 percent. The Hokies also recorded season-highs with 12 blocked shots and 16 steals. Deron Washington had four blocks and four steals to go with his eight points and team-high nine rebounds.

"I'm pleased with what we were able to do," Greenberg said. "It was great to come to the Garden and get a win. It gives us a chance to get ready for Saturday and then have some of our guys spend some time with their families."

The victory improves the Hokies' all-time record in Madison Square Garden to 9-4. Tech won NIT Championships in the building in 1973 and 1995.

The Hokies return to action on Saturday night, as they host Campbell at 7 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum.