Jeff Allen scored what appeared to be the game-winning basket with 1.8 seconds remaining, but Dante Jackson’s halfcourt shot at the buzzer banked in, giving Xavier a 63-62 overtime victory over Virginia Tech. The Hokies will return to action on Sunday, when they play the loser of the Memphis-Seton Hall game at 5pm on ESPNU.
Jackson had struggled all day for the Musketeers. Until that buzzer beater, he was 0-of-8 from the field. He had scored just two points, both coming from the free throw line.
The buzzer beater spoiled a terrific day from Jeff Allen. The sophomore forward had 22 points and 11 rebounds, including the tip-in off a Dorenzo Hudson miss with 1.8 seconds remaining in overtime. Allen contributed in other ways as well. He had four steals, three blocks and two assists.
A.D. Vassallo did not enjoy such a successful afternoon. After a 24-point outing in yesterday’s game against Fairfield, Vassallo scored just four points against Xavier on 2-of-13 shooting. He was 0-of-6 from three-point range. He did contribute 10 rebounds and eight assists, but just an average shooting day from Tech’s top scorer would have been the difference between victory and defeat.
Malcolm Delaney added 15 points for the Hokies, and was 3-of-6 from three-point range. Tech finally got some production from their other guard spot as well. Dorenzo Hudson scored 10 points, eight of which came in the first half. He also hit two key free throws in overtime.
The Hokies played excellent defense all game long. Xavier was just 20-of-53 from the field (37.7%) and 4-of-18 (22.2%) from three-point range, including their final halfcourt shot as time expired. Tech outrebounded Xavier 36-35, and the turnovers were even at 16 each. Overall, this was an even a college basketball game as you’ll see, up until the overtime buzzer beater.
Derrick Brown had 16 points to pace Xavier, while C.J. Anderson added 13.
Note: A full game recap will be posted later when a play-by-play becomes available.
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