Virginia Tech and South Carolina collide in the consolation game of the Fort Myers (Fla.) Tip-Off on Wednesday night looking for a better outcome than their openers.
A tough Monday in the first games of the tournament set up the matchup. The Hokies lost 75-63 to Michigan on Monday, while the Gamecocks dropped a 75-66 decision to No. 22 Xavier.
Virginia Tech’s early part of the season has been a tale of contradictory returns. The Hokies opened 3-0 but have since dropped three in a row as they hit the reset button at 3-3.
Hokies head coach Mike Young was asked about what needs to change. He kept the answer simple and to the point.
“We have to play better basketball,” Young told reporters.
Nineteen turnovers did not help the Hokies’ cause Monday.
“You can’t turn the ball over 19 times,” Young said. “I don’t care what level you are at, or what league you are in. We’ve been ranked nationally in the top 25 of assist-to-turnover ratio many times in my career. I’ve got to do a better job of coaching.”
Tobi Lawal scored 14 points in the loss to Michigan and is averaging a team-best 13.2 points per game. Mylyjael Poteat is putting up 12.7 points per game.
The Gamecocks (3-3) are looking to get back on track after losing to ranked Xavier despite having three players in double figures.
Collin Murray-Boyles led the Gamecocks with 13 points and pulled down six rebounds. Boyles is averaging 15.3 points per game while playing with a team approach.
“He’s naturally unselfish. That’s a great quality to have,” South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris said, according to the Lexington County Chronicle.
Jacobi Wright and Jamarii Thomas are each scoring 12.5 points per game for the Gamecocks, who are looking to get back on track and build on last season’s success when they won 26 games and played in the NCAA Tournament.
–Field Level Media
