Virginia Tech, Wake Forest dealing with issues before conference tilt
When Wake Forest takes on Virginia Tech on Saturday in Winston-Salem, N.C., it will be a matchup of teams in recovery.
While the Demon Deacons (9-5, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) attempt to recover their lost offense, the Hokies (12-2, 1-0) will try to find their legs after outlasting No. 21 Virginia 95-85 in three overtimes on Wednesday.
Virginia Tech had to dig deep against the Cavaliers due to the fact that it was down three starters to injuries.
"We're thin as nickel soup right now," Hokies coach Mike Young said of his rotation.
Carrying Virginia Tech in the backcourt was reserve Ben Hammond, who scored a career-high 30 points and had zero turnovers.
Leading the way inside were Amani Hansberry (17 points, 15 rebounds), who played 51 minutes, and freshman Christian Gurzdak (17 points, 19 rebounds), who logged 46 minutes in his second career start.
The heavy workload was necessary as the Hokies were without 7-footer Antonio Dorn (back), defensive stopper Tyler Johnson (foot) and last year's top scorer, rebounder and shot blocker Tobi Lawal (foot).
"We're gonna be whole here pretty soon and that will make us better," Young said of his injured trio.
Wake Forest returns home after falling at North Carolina State 70-57 on Wednesday. The loss was the second straight for the Demon Deacons in which they scored their season low.
In the two defeats, including a 98-67 blowout at home against then-No. 13 Vanderbilt on Dec. 21, Wake Forest committed a combined 33 turnovers and shot 34.5% from the floor and 23.1% from 3-point range.
"We were 12 for 26 at the rim, not winning numbers," Demon Deacons coach Steve Forbes said on Wednesday.
Wake Forest is seeking a return to form of top scorer Juke Harris (19.7 points per game), who has made just five of his last 31 (16.1%) attempts from beyond the arc.
The Demon Deacons also will look for better finishing from their top inside threat Tre'Von Spillers (12 ppg), who has made 3 of 15 shots and scored nine points during the two-game skid.
The positive against North Carolina State was the first career double-double from Omaha Biliew, who delivered 18 points and 10 rebounds.