Despite the best efforts of Erick Green, Virginia Tech fell to Minnesota 58-55 on the road on Wednesday night. The Hokies dropped to 5-2 with the loss, while the Golden Gophers improved to 7-1.
Virginia Tech point guard Erick Green scored a career-high 25 points and dished out four assists while committing no turnovers. He was 9-of-18 from the field, 4-of-8 from three-point range and 3-of-3 from the free throw line. Despite missing a last second three-pointer that would have tied the game, Green played a great game.
Robert Brown came off the bench to add 13 points, making all three of his three-pointers, dishing out three assists and recording two steals in 25 minutes. A true freshman, Brown continues to improve and play major minutes.
Brown had to play major minutes because Dorenzo Hudson was MIA. After not playing very well against Oklahoma State and St. Bonaventure, Hudson did not score a single point on Wednesday night. He missed all four of his shots from the field.
Victor Davila added 10 points and seven rebounds for the Hokies. Jarell Eddie had four points, while Dorian Finney-Smith had three.
Tech outrebounded Minnesota 32-30, but they allowed too much penetration and the Golden Gophers scored well over half of their points from the lane.
The Hokies led 55-54 with just 23 seconds left, and then Julian Welch hit two throws and Minnesota reclaimed the lead. On Tech’s ensuing possession, an inbounds passes bounced off the hands of Robert Brown and rolled back court. Welch hit two more free throws to puthis team up 58-55 with six seconds left, and Erick Green’s last second three-pointer barely missed.
The Hokies return to action on Sunday night when they host Kansas State. Tipoff is at 5:30pm, and the game will be televised by ESPNU.
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