Friday Play of the Day: Virginia Tech

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superbook

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Murray State (4-2) vs Virginia Tech (5-2) in the opening round of the Jim Thorpe Classic in Louisville, KY. Neutral court.

Virginia Tech -1.5

Both teams are 0-2 on the road this year but I like Virginia Tech in this one.

Virginia Tech is an improving team with growing confidence; they almost upset Virginia at home, they were up big in the first half but eventually succumb 69-61.

Virginia Tech's Carlos Dixon has a sweet shot and Murray State will have no answer to Terry Taylor and Carlton Carter underneath. Virginia Tech outrebounded Virginia and is averaging 41 rpg. Their biggest weakness is lots of turnovers.

Virginia Tech is fighting for respect in the Big East; pre-season polls picked them to finish last in their division. They'd love to play Louisville in the finals of this tournament to get some national recognition.

Murray State really disappointed me in their recent loss to Indiana State, they can't seem to hit their shots on the road. I just don't think they have the players to compete with Virginia Tech and I think Virginia Tech has more motivation to win this one.

gl
 
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double down

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Be careful here...This is Murray State's back yard and Virginia Tech is very young who almost lost to VMI.
 
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superbook

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DD -- good points.

There's no question there will be more Murray State fans there than Hokie fans. But Murray State only gets 2500 for their home games, how many are going to travel to Louisville? I think by the time this game starts at 9:30PM the majority of the seats will be empty (the Louisville fans will have left after their game is over)

Overall I like Virginia Tech because they seem to be gaining momentum and confidence. They've got some very good players and a lot of depth --all five starters back from last year. The only player I like on Murray State is transfer James Singleton.

The near loss to VMI was an ugly win but it showed some character to pull it out. I think the Hokies will be up for this game like they were vs Virginia.

My numbers have Virginia Tech by 6 in this one

[This message has been edited by superbook (edited 12-06-2001).]
 
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double down

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I hope you nail it
wink.gif
 
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superbook

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Dixon, a 6-7 sophomore who is the Hokies' leading scorer (15.4 per game), has a stress fracture of the third metatarsal on his right foot. It's good that Dixon now knows what he's dealing with, but bad in that stress fractures are very uncertain injuries.

If it reacts well and can be protected, the injury might not prevent Dixon from playing as soon as Friday when Tech plays Murray State in a tournament in Louisville.

If it doesn't react well, it is the type of thing that can linger and cause Dixon to miss considerable time.

"We'll re-evaluate it later in the week," trainer Keith Doolan said. "He's going to be fitted with an orthotic. We're hopeful he can play this weekend."
Click to expand...

I'm fairly confident that Dixon will play, and it may mean more passes to Taylor and Carter underneath.



[This message has been edited by superbook (edited 12-07-2001).]
 
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