The Virginia Tech Hokies ended their seven-game losing streak on Monday night with a 78-75 victory over Duke basketball. The game-winning jumper was hit by MJ Collins with just 13.6 seconds remaining, securing the Hokies’ first win in eight games. The loss for Duke drops them to 1-4 in true road games this season and a fifth loss in six attempts at Cassell Coliseum.
It was never enough for the Duke
Despite a strong performance from Duke’s freshman Kyle Filipowski, who scored 27 points and had 10 rebounds, the Blue Devils were unable to secure victory due to scoring droughts in the first and second halves. Tyrese Proctor tied the game with a 3-pointer with 38 seconds left, setting the stage for Collins’ game-winner.
The Hokies were led by Grant Basile, who scored 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting. The win was especially sweet for Virginia Tech as it marked their second straight victory over Duke, dating back to last year’s ACC Tournament championship game.
Duke’s freshman Dariq Whitehead was forced to leave the game with 17:09 left in the second half due to a left leg injury. The Blue Devils had started the game brightly, with a 7-0 run, but four turnovers, including three on live ball steals, allowed the Hokies to take a 14-13 lead with 13:46 left in the half. Virginia Tech stretched its advantage to double-digits late in the half and went on to secure the win.
The Hokies will be looking to build on this win as they look to improve their record in the ACC, while Duke will be looking to bounce back in their next game as they look to secure their position in the standings. The game was a thrilling finish that came down to the wire, and it will be exciting to see how both teams will perform in the coming games.
