Hokies Run Down the Broncos, Defeat Boise St. 82-75
The quarterfinal round of the ESPN Events Invitational did not disappoint as Virginia Tech and Boise State went toe to toe up until the final buzzer, with the Hokies gaining the edge 82-75.
It was a slow start for Virginia Tech, who took some time to jumpstart their defense, falling into a 14-2 hole to begin the game. Boise St. couldn’t miss as they kicked off the game, shooting 5-of-6 from the field.
Hunter Cattoor provided an offensive spark to keep the Hokies in the contest, as he nailed his first three triples of his game and finished with 19 points, making 5-of-10 total threes. Cattoor also broke the Virginia Tech all-time 3PT FG record, passing A.D. Vassallo, who held the prior record.
With help from Cattoor and some work at the line from Lynn Kidd, the Hokies cut down the deficit and took the lead going into the half 44-41.
Both teams went back and forth in the second half, as they took back and gave up the lead multiple times throughout the half. The Broncos withstood the Hokies comeback and limited a huge deficit as they hung in the game late.
Ultimately, the Hokies came out on top thanks some cold-blooded plays from Sean Pedulla, who splashed a deep three with the shot clock running out, putting the Hokies up 75-70. He then drove through the Bronco defense on the next possession, situating Virginia Tech up seven with 1:37 remaining and putting Tech up for good.
Pedulla played a great game facilitating wise, finishing with seven assists and six rebounds, as well as putting up 18 points. Never underestimate the kid from Edmond, Oklahoma...
"Because as most anybody that's ever seen Sean play, he looks like a Catholic choir boy, but he's got the heart and the skillset of an assassin."
Edmond Memorial coach Shane Cowherd
Another standout was UNC transfer Tyler Nickel, who played 32 minutes, his season high. He put up 14 points once again, matching his total from the last game vs. Wofford. Nickel has cemented himself as a go-to guy off the bench for the Hokies and will soon enough see consistent play from Coach Mike Young.
Virginia Tech looks to keep their tournament run going, as they are set for a semifinal matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones tonight at 5:30 p.m. est.
