The Virginia Tech Hokies men’s basketball team will host the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, seeking their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) victory of the season. Following a setback against the Duke Blue Devils earlier this week, the Hokies are eager to turn their fortunes around as they face off against the Hurricanes at Cassell Coliseum.
Miami has had its own tumultuous season. The departure of long-time head coach Jim Larranaga has left the team adrift, struggling to regain momentum after recent disappointing performances, including their last game where they squandered a significant lead against Boston College. Now sitting at 2-4 within the ACC, Miami is facing challenges on and off the court.
This matchup will be significant, not only because it pits two teams with pressing needs against one another, but also due to its historical significance. This game marks the 50th meeting between Virginia Tech and Miami, with Miami having swept last year’s meetings – winning 75-71 at Blacksburg and 82-74 at home. Historically, the Hurricanes lead the series with 29 wins to the Hokies’ 20.
Both teams are anticipating another closely contested game, as the rivalry has often leaned toward nail-biters. Of the last eight matchups, five have been decided by four points or less, and the last nine encounters have all been within nine points. This trend promises excitement, particularly for Hokies fans eager for revenge after being bested by the Hurricanes on two occasions last season.
A pivotal player to watch is Miami's center Lynn Kidd. Returning to Blacksburg brings extra motivation for Kidd, who spent three productive seasons with Virginia Tech before transferring. The 6-foot-10 standout enjoyed success at Tech, leading the ACC with shooting prowess, recording 66.8% from the field last season. Now the Gainesville, Florida native is averaging 13.2 points per game at Miami this season, making him one of the key contributors for the Hurricanes.
Adding to the intrigue is the presence of Miami's interim coach Bill Courtney, who was appointed following Larranaga’s departure. Courtney, who previously served as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech during the 2009-10 season, is seeking to inspire the Hurricanes amid this transition period.
The game is set to tip-off at 2:00 p.m. ET at Cassell Coliseum, and it will be broadcasted on the ACC Network. Fans can also listen to the game via the Virginia Tech Sports Network, with Jordan Bernfield providing play-by-play and David Padgett as analyst. Radio coverage will be available with Zach Mackey and Mike Burnop.
According to Fanduel Sportsbook, Miami enters as a 1.5-point favorite. The anticipated total points for the game is listed at 143.5. While the odds seem to favor the Hurricanes, the Hokies might have the home-court advantage needed to snag the win.
Predictions are mixed, but there is hope among Hokies fans, as their team looks to put together its first conference win. Despite Miami's higher talent level on paper, inconsistencies may hinder them as they navigate through tumultuous times on their roster. A potential score prediction sees Virginia Tech overcoming the Hurricanes, edging to victory at 75-70.