BLACKSBURG, VA – NOVEMBER 20: Virginia Tech Hokies forward Mylyjael Poteat (34) dunks the ball during a game between the Jacksonville University Dolphins and the Virginia Tech Hokies on November 20, 2024, at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg VA.(Photo by Brian Bishop/The Patriot)
Big second half lifts Jacksonville past Virginia Tech
Staff Report
The Jacksonville University Dolphins outscored Virginia Tech 45-25 in the second half Wednesday to overcome a 10-point half-time deficit to beat the Hokies, 74-64 in Cassell Coliseum.
Tech led 39-29 at the half with a run that outscored Jacksonville 10-5 the final 4:35.
Wake Forest transfer Robert McCray V scored 11 of his 17 points during the second half to pace Jacksonville’s comeback. Zimi Nwokeji added 9 second half points for the Dolphins and finished with 19 points to lead all scorers.
Virginia Tech committed 10 second half turnovers that contributed to the poor second half performance. Two of the turnovers happened on consecutive possessions when Jacksonville pressed early in the half.
“We turned the ball over because of the press and they got back in the game because of that flurry and we were on our heels from that point on,” said Virginia Tech Head Coach Mike Young.
Virginia Tech was nine of 25 from the field and five of 10 at the free throw line during the second half. The Hokies ended up shooting 41% for the game from the field and 60% from the free throw line.
The Dolphins shot 51.7% for the night from the field.
Mylyjael Poteat had a solid performance, leading Tech with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Tobi Lawal added 14 points and Brandon Rechsteinerand had 11 points for the Hokies.
“We have a lot to work on and we will,” said Young.
With the loss Virginia Tech is 3-2 heading into a November 25 matchup with Michigan in the Fort Myers, Fl. Invitational.
Jacksonville is also 3-2 with their next game coming against Mercer.
