Today I followed my gps app's directions to the Virginia Tech Sports Complex and parked in a large lot outside the coliseum after asking some nice people to make sure it was legal. They said, despite our Carolina Blue attire we were fine to drive in. From there, we purchased tickets and found a place to sit. We got there pretty early. The place actually filled in nicely, especially around where we were sitting.
I have to mention how I appreciated the class shown us today. The afternoon began with a moment of silence in honor of Hall of Fame Coach Dean Smith who passed away yesterday evening. He was 83 years old. They displayed a nice photo of him on the jumbo tron prior to the National Anthem. I don't think there is a basketball program that isn't effected; but I still felt that was nice of them to do. I will miss him.
Dean Smith
February 28, 1931 - February 7, 2015
So we have lost a couple of great Tar Heels this year. Stuart Scott died January 4th. The Tar Heels played that day too. This game was tight in the first half though the Tar Heels lead for most of it. The lead grew to 10 (36 to 26) but then a couple of trips to the free throw line and a three pointer for the Hokies and they closed to within three at halftime. What was also tight in the first half was the defense on Virginia Tech sophomore Vanessa Panousis. The Tar Heels were on her everywhere she went. She finished with 2 points. She's the leading scorer for the Hokies What we all wanted to forget; but couldn't was how she as a freshmen absolutely torched North Carolina for 24 points. Virginia Tech won in Carmichael last season 50 to 47, a detail the PA announcer was kind enough to rehash prior to the start of the game this afternoon. Nothing doing today. North Carolina 74, Virginia Tech, 52.
I wanted one of those 2nd half bursts. Though Panousis was held in check, Virginia Tech had shot 41% in the 1st half and had (the main reason they were still in the game) 11 points at the free throw line on 11 of 15 shooting there. The Hokie faithful were excited with what they'd seen, particularly the young fans in attendance.
After turnovers by each team to start the 2nd half, the Tar Heels grabbed a hold of the game. The defense continued to smother the Hokies and the Heels started shooting more the way they are capable, in a way I hadn't seen them shoot in a while. We had five players in double figures and it was great to see some folks who had been struggling find the net.
Brittany Rountree: 15 points, 3 assists, 2 steals (associated press photo)
On the drive up to Virginia my daughter put one of her favorite songs on repeat-"Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys. It was in my head a while and I started hearing it again watching Brittany in the 2nd half. After completely frustrating Panousis in the first half with a monster defensive effort, she torched the nets on our end of the court with 4 three pointers in the 2nd half.
Latifah Coleman: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists (associated press photo)
We always get great defense out of Latifah; but when she scores in double figures as well it makes things so much better for us. It goes towards keeping the defense honest, helps with spacing and I'm sure it helps the team mentally. She scored in a variety of ways as well. She was also part of the "You will not score 24 points today" defensive effort on Panousis.
Stephanie Mavunga: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)
Stephanie was double teamed much of the game; but she put the moves on her defenders to get to the rim, drew fouls on some Hokies and hit a couple of midrange jumpers. That block though. She has one in most every game; but sometimes the way she sends it back you almost feel bad for the shooter...almost. Several of the young basketball players around us put their faces in their jerseys after that block. If I had a photo of it, I'd caption it, "It may be your house, but I still own the paint."
Allisha Gray: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block (photo from www.goheels.com)
It was so great to see a couple of three pointers fall for Allisha today. She's been great about doing whatever she has had to do to help the team. It hasn't mattered what it was, she did it. Her efficiency at 4 of 10 today is more what we're used to and I attribute that to the overall balance on offense North Carolina had today.
Danielle Butts: 3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals (photo from www.theacc.com)
Danielle played fewer minutes today and has lately with the emergence of N'Dea Bryant (2 points today); but she was all over the place as usual aggressive on defense and on the boards. She did that damage in 17 minutes.
Jamie Cherry: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals (associated press photo)
Jamie got her first career start today and did a good job pushing the ball and picking spots to go to the basket. She contributed nicely to the perimeter players' defense effort. If you're counting, that's five North Carolina players in double figures.
Jessica Washington: 7 points, 1 assist (photo from www.goheels.com)
Jessica got a little banged up in this one; but she contributed to the 2nd half burst that put the Hokies away. She moved really well without the ball and scored one of her baskets on a post move.
A bit about our journey
It took us three and a half hours to make the drive. Not as long as Clemson; but we still left a day early so we could take it slow and I wouldn't wear myself out after my recent bout with bronchitis. Okay so it was also an opportunity to get some more Choice points. We bunked at a Comfort Inn and Suites in Christiansburg, about 20 minutes from Cassell Coliseum.
Going to Virginia Tech was a first for me too and I was pleasantly surprised. This was an absolutely beautiful drive. I consider it a bonus for the kids and myself to have more than just pavement and trees to look at on any journey. For most of this one, we were driving through the mountains. In particular we drove by Pilot Mountain. I woke my long-legged one. She was dosing in the back; but these opportunities aren't to be missed. Of course I was driving and didn't get to take a picture so I borrowed this image from Wikipedia.
Pilot Mountain
I took a few shots while filling my van's gas tank near our hotel.
Christiansburg, Virginia
The hotel was fine for us. My children love to travel; so I take advantage of that at every opportunity. Small children can be apprehensive away from home; but my two have always been good about it, particularly my son who I think is now getting the concept of road games. And though hearts were heavy, we came, we saw, we conquered. I couldn't resist a shot with the coliseum's "guardian" on the way out.
It was a stunning day and Virginia Tech's campus was beautiful.
Can't stop now. The Tar Heels will need what they produced today and more for a home game against Florida State on Thursday. The Seminoles have sky rocketed into the National News thanks to some hot play from several new comers.
Until then,
Go Heels!
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