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February 20, 2024
NEWS
PAGE 2 February 20, 2024
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RISE IN PHISHING SCAMS TARGETING VIRGINIA TECH Wilbert Ramirez | news writer
Many victims are students, according to the Division of Information Technology. An influx of phishing scams targeting university emails has created confusion and misinformation online about the security of the new email system in Outlook. “There’s no inherent vulnerability that’s being taken advantage of on either of the platforms,” said Jeff Lang, director of cyber defense operations at Virginia Tech. “It is social engineering and it’s trying to get people to do something that they wouldn’t maybe normally do.” Phishing scams often appear as emails requesting or offering personal information, money, research positions and rare goods for sale. The accounts are disguised by stating they are related to or are part of Virginia Tech staff. Some accounts use compromised emails of Virginia Tech students who click on malicious links which
enable scammers to gain access to their accounts. “It’s very difficult to tell when somebody has been compromised, since the accounts get compromised, and then (scammers) immediately start to send out emails,” Lang said. “They’re using up an account until we see it, we close it down, and then they move on and compromise the next one.” Lang recommends that recipients of fraudulent emails mark the scams in Outlook as phishing. This allows the email system to train scam filters that then bypass inboxes to send future scams into junk mail folders. “What you’re seeing at Virginia Tech is our effort to educate you to know that Virginia Tech, along with your bank, every other company that is fronted or appears
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to be fronted in a scam, will never ask you for the kinds of information or ask you to send them a bunch of gift cards as part of the business that they do,” said Mark Owczarski, chief spokesperson, associate vice president of communications and marketing at Virginia Tech. The Virginia Tech Police Department has issued official statements regarding scam emails in the past but with the growth and variety of scam emails, VTPD and Virginia Tech are also increasing situational awareness alerts informing people of the scams. “The key is always to be aggressive against crime. Always be aggressive in educating so that people make good decisions because the best way to prevent crime is to prevent the opportunity for crime,” Owczarski said. Misinformation include claims the phishing scams have started this year when it has been seen for several years, according to Angela I. Correa-Becker, director of communications for the Division of Information Technology at Virginia Tech. Many also think Outlook’s
email protections against scams are ineffective, but according to Correa-Becker, “Outlook and Exchange have at least equal and in some ways better tools to prevent these attacks.” Additionally, though some may think older individuals are the most vulnerable to scams, Correa-Becker said most victims have been students. Tips regarding scam emails: If you are a victim of the scam, contact the Virginia Tech Police Department by dialing (540) 382-4343 or 911. If you suspect your account is compromised, contact Virginia Tech 4Help at (540) 231-4351. Mark fraudulent emails as phishing in Outlook. Do not respond to email chains with hundreds of accounts attached because it can create issues with email services. Check the faculty and staff lists to ensure emails are from Virginia Tech officials. Be vigilant of requests that appear fraudulent and “too good to be true.”
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February 20, 2024 PAGE 3
OPINIONS collegiatetimes.com
A MUST-HAVE SKILL, PUBLIC SPEAKING SHOULD BE A MANDATORY CLASS Sarah Leberknight | opinions columnist
Public speaking should be a required course because of its impact on a person’s success.
I
t’s rare to find a person who enjoys public speaking, and that’s probably because 75% of people are afraid of it. Despite that, public speaking skills are an absolute necessity. Whether it be speaking in front of a class, in a meeting or on a stage, everyone will find themselves in a situation where public speaking is mandatory. The need for presentation skills doesn’t end in college. If you can’t master public speaking in school, imagine how that’s going to work out in the real world, where consequences are heavier than a grade. Colleges, including Virginia Tech, should require students to take an in-person public speaking class. While students might not like it, the class will set them up for success down the line. Many colleges have some version of a core curriculum — Virginia Tech, for example, has the pathways curriculum requiring students to take classes in seven different subject areas. While public speaking classes are an option, they are not required. Considering how many people are afraid of public speaking, students will probably opt for a different class. Unlike an astronomy class or floral design class, public speaking skills are necessary and highly valuable because they aren’t just applicable to school. They’re used daily in the workplace in many different fields. P r o fe s s o r B ra n d i Q u e s e n b e r r y, instructor and director of the undergraduate studies program for communications, firmly believes in the importance of public speaking regardless of major. “The skills that you learn in public speaking are so transferable. To be able to organize your thoughts and to really think about who your audience is and how best to construct a message and deliver that message with an audience in mind — that can be applied in interview situations, group situations, in classes as well as postcollege and careers,” Quesenberry said. Public speaking is more likely to appear
in your future job than not: 70% of jobs have employees using public speaking to some degree, according to LibreTexts. Some of those jobs, as Yoodli says, are obvious — teachers, politicians, actors, TV presenters, lawyers — while others aren’t as conspicuous. As University of Conneticut notes, plenty of STEM jobs, from engineers to scientists to mathmeticians, require public speaking. We just don’t think of them as public-speaking-oriented jobs due to stereotypes such as programmers sitting hunched over a computer or scientists working in a lab. Our failure to recognize that public speaking comes in a variety of forms also contributes to our misconceptions about public speaking. “Sometimes we think about public speaking as standing on a stage, with a microphone and there being tons of people but … public speaking looks different in different situations. When you go to a networking event and introduce yourself and do a 30-second overview of who you are … that’s public speaking,” Quesenberry said. Public speaking extends beyond talking in front of a large audience or on a stage. It’s being able to communicate effectively to other people in a public setting regardless of audience size. It is a fundamental skill that everyone needs. “Most students are going to end up with a job where they’re going to present in a staff meeting,” Quesenberry said. “They’re going to be working with collaborative groups, maybe through a virtual workplace … working with clients or colleagues or (they) need to give a status report to (their) supervisors or maybe (they) get promoted to mentorships or management positions. You are going to be asked to speak publicly. It is going to be something that almost every individual will experience regardless of career path.” The reason why so many students dread
presentations is that they haven’t been taught how to successfully give a presentation. They’re just expected to know how to confidently present to a crowd, when public speaking isn’t a naturally born skill. It must be cultivated, and schools don’t do that enough, resulting in fears about public speaking. College prepares young people to venture out into the world on their own: they’re away from their parents, they’re learning how to take care of themselves and they’re taking classes that are meant to prepare them for their future careers. If we truly want to prepare students, then a mandatory public speaking course is a necessity. It means that every student has to take it, and if some kids are scared, they won’t be alone. If students put effort into the class and receive genuinely helpful feedback, they can walk away from the class more confident in themselves. The people upset at the idea of a public speaking class being mandatory are those who need it the most. This is no fault of their own: they may not have been taught how to speak publicly, so of course, they’re afraid of it. “When you haven’t practiced or learned the skills that will better enable you to be successful, but you’ve been asked to do it … you may not be as successful as you wanted to be because you didn’t have all the instructions that could really set you up for success,” Quesenberry said. “When you take a public speaking class, and you learn the ingredients that go into being successful, it allows you to have more confidence and overcome some of the anxiety that goes along with it.” This does not mean that mandatory public speaking classes would completely negate fears of public speaking. We’re never going to alleviate the fear of public speaking if we throw people into the deep end with high expectations. Teaching people how to speak publicly in safe environments like classrooms with supportive
professors is ideal for growing skills that will aid them for the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s equally important to teach public speaking classes in person: a public speaking class over Zoom doesn’t help people when they have to speak in front of people in real life. Public speaking doesn’t have to be such a common fear — we make it scary by not giving people the adequate training needed to successfullAy speak publicly. A mandatory public speaking class, while probably not a joy-inducing or popular idea, would significantly benefit students, as they could leave college better prepared to speak confidently across social contexts. Even if not mandatory now, consider taking a public speaking class — future job-searching you will be grateful for the skills you will gain.
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LIFESTYLES
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February 20, 2024 PAGE 5
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THE GREAT HOUSING DEBATE: APARTMENTS VS. TOWNHOUSES Benjamin Gozzi | Lifestyles contributer
When moving off campus, the decision between apartment and townhome can be difficult to make The debate between apartments and townhouses is one of the most highly anticipated questions a Virginia Tech student may face during their freshman year . How do you know if you’re getting the right deal? Will you be emptying your wallet just to cover a month’s rent? Will you be close to campus? Admittedly, there are many questions to be answered about next year’s housing situation, almost immediately upon moving into a dorm during your first year. If you’re on the prowl for housing accommodations next year, look no further: we’re here to help. Apartments and townhouses are two of the most common housing types found outside of Virginia Tech’s campus. Often located within two to three miles from the campus, both options can offer students comfortable living while also encouraging social connection and varying amenities. It’s vital to know what you’re getting yourself into before you glide a pen across a lease. Apartments: what’s to like? Apartments offer many amenities to their residents regardless of location. Typically, one-floor apartments will have a kitchen/
preparation area, spacious rooms and closet space with bathrooms to share. Depending on the location, the apartment may have an in-unit washer and dryer, but if that’s not the case, they’ll be located outside of the apartment, similar community washers and dryers in residence halls. Apartments will also likely have a common area where other tenants in the complex can interact and form friendships with other residents. Residents may expect to find a grill area, workout facilities and other amenities that encourage time away from the apartment itself. Apartments: what’s to dislike? As a future tenant may expect, apartments operate similarly to a residencehall. This means that residents may experience rowdy partiers above or below, mysterious noises late into the night and overall uncleanliness. Additionally, an apartment can feel cramped very quickly, especially if you rent with roommates who tend to be sloppy. Apartments can also swindle extra costs from an unsuspecting tenant. Hence, it’s of the utmost importance to always know what extra
costs may be added on top of paying rent, including pet related fees, utility payments and late fees on rent Townhouses: what’s to like? At a townhouse, tenants can expect an increased level of peace and quiet, contrary to a residence hall or apartment. Because the living space is more spread out, tenants will find that the noise both in and out of atownhouse will not feel as concentrated. While the occasional neighboring party is practically unavoidable, you’ll have some peace of mind in a townhouse. Additionally, a townhouse is vastly larger than an apartment. Most townhouses have two floors, which may mean more square footage as well. If you’re planning on living off-campus with a larger group of roommates, townhouses are the way to go. Townhouses: what’s to dislike? Although you’ll have the luxury of avoiding rowdy neighbors above and below you, a townhouse can feel more isolated from other tenants in your neighborhood. While townhouses may be connected, it can be hard for some tenants to find connections amongst
other renters in a townhouse complex. If you crave proximity to other friendly faces, perhaps a townhouse isn’t for you. The flat rent rate will also empty your pockets more than what an apartment would. Due to the fact that there will likely be more tenants and square footing in a townhouse, the price will likely be higher than an apartment, regardless of amenities. No matter where you may end up next semester, know that off-campus housing has limitless options around the Blacksburg and Christiansburg areas. Finding the perfect apartment or townhouse may be a challenging process, but nothing beats the feeling of signing a great lease with even better roommates. The only thing that may come close would be the first shower without shower shoes. If you’re still in the midst of a housing search, be sure to use the Virginia Tech Off-Campus Housing website to explore your options. Happy searching!
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RANDOM STORIES OF RANDOM ROOMMATES Aidan Mason | Lifestyles staff writer
Lifestyles writer Aidan Mason discusses the pros and cons of living with a random roommate. While the current semester is still in full swing, many students are already making preparations for the upcoming fall semester. One of these is housing, and whether on- or off-campus, an important aspect of housing not often discussed is the random roommate pool. Many people have reasons to enter the pool: they wish to try something new, they don’t know anyone nearby, the list goes on and on. It’s a new experience for many, and the participants often describe the process as a mixed bag.
Background There are many reasons why someone may choose a random roommate. For some, such as Ryan Varney, a sophomore studying industrial and systems engineering, it is because he only knew a few people going to Tech from his home state of Connecticut. “I wanted to meet new people freshman year, so I chose to go random,” Varney said. Similarly, Peyton Dyer, a freshman studying business/undecided, chose the random route due to his placement in an LLC where he didn’t know anyone.
For others, it is due to circumstances beyond their control as opposed to personal choice. Julia Kleponis, a junior majoring in biomedical engineering, was in the dorms over the summer instead of the fall or spring semester. “I was late to choosing a room in the dorms and only one room was left,” said Madison McDonald, a junior studying cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. Nerves Many note that the most nerve-wracking part of the random roommate pool is that
initial meeting. This is, after all, a person or group you’re going to live with for the first time and you don’t know much about them. “(I) feared that they may be loud, dirty, or just someone I wouldn’t like,” Dyer said. McDonald also worried if she would get along with her roommate as well. Others, however, have the opposite reaction. Varney had texted his roommates beforehand, knowing that they played basketball like he did, and he was curious to continued on page 6
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PAGE 6 February 20, 2024
continued from page 5 see what they would be like in person. “I was excited, she and I texted a little before and I thought we may become friends and have a nice summer together,” Kleponis said. Meeting for the first time “(My roommates) were both chill and friendly and everyone in general was just looking to meet people and very openminded, so it wasn’t awkward or anything,” Varney said. Dyer’s meeting also went well, albeit with some discomfort. “It was a little awkward and we mostly kept to ourselves,” McDonald said. Kleponis, on the other hand, did not have a good first impression of her roommate. She described her as rude, standoffish and highly uncommunicative. After the fact
Regardless of how the first meeting went, a positive or negative roommate experience depends more on how the rest of the year goes. First impressions are important, but they aren’t everything. In some cases, it all turns out positive. Varney met lots of new people thanks to his roommates, some of whom he still keeps in touch with. “We had a lot more in common once we opened up and got to know each other better,” McDonald said. N ot ever yone ’s experience was constructive, however. Kleponis’ relationship with her roommate did not improve, and she notes that the experience taught her some people are naturally unfriendly even if it was for no reason. “(My roommate was) loud and obnoxious, also doesn’t have a sense of awareness of others,” Dyer said.
Final opinions “For me, it was definitely a worthwhile process. My roommates Zach and Jaden are still my best friends at school to this day and likely will be for the rest of my life. I still live with them now off campus,” Varney said. McDonald also agreed that it was an appealing process, noting that it allowed her to meet new people. Others, however, disagree. Kleponis stated that she did not believe the process was worthwhile at all. Dyer had a similar opinion. Whether or not you choose to join the process is up to you and your circumstances. It’s always best to make a decision knowing what you’re heading into and being prepared for any potential situations that may arise. If you or a friend has been experiencing
problems with their roommate, begin with reaching out to your dorm’s student leader. If issues progress, contact the Dean of Students or Residential Experience. For those living off-campus contact Student Legal Services.
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DOES DISTANCE MATTER WHEN CHOOSING OFF-CAMPUS LIVING SPACES? Avery billups | lifestyles contributer
Explore the impact of distances between school and home when selecting your off-campus housing. Living arrangements commonly stand at the threshold of one of the most transformative chapters of a student’s college experience. That could be through sharing a space with their best friends or showering in the less-than-optimal communal dorm bathrooms. They are a pivotal moment of growth as students finally experience the ups and downs of living on their own. The decision to choose housing is multifaceted and can shape the college experience. There are endless reasons why people choose the off-campus living spaces they do. Among them range from convenience, safety, cost, lifestyle preferences and commute time from campus. Some popular options for off-campus housing include the Hub, Alight, the Edge, the Retreat and the Union. All provide units housing one to five residents, with rent averaging around $900 to $1,100. None of the complexes are more than two miles away from campus, though the commute can prove to be a somewhat tumultuous journey for those who don’t have access to cars. Residents of these apartment complexes are fortunate to have access to Blacksburg Transit; however, using a bus to get to and from class daily isn’t always the best option due to bus overcrowding, lengthy stop times and traffic jams.
The Retreat is known for its spacious apartments and luxurious amenities; however, the two-mile distance from campus makes it a lesser option for some. The only method of transportation for residents without personal vehicles is the public transit system, which can be tricky as The Retreat only has one bus line and stop. The Retreat is one of the furthest complexes from campus, which is practically un-walkable and unreasonable for most. The Hub is only a mile away from campus, which many consider close. The Hub houses many attractive amenities, such as a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, ample study spaces and modernized units. There are numerous bus stops surrounding the complex and multiple lines to choose from, which makes taking public transportation both easy and accessible. The biggest issue with taking public transportation, according to Hub residents, is how crowded the buses can get, though this usually becomes less of an issue later in the day and as the year progresses. Similar to the Hub, Alight and the Union are around a mile away from campus. All three are a fair 20 to 25-minute walk from campus, which is comparable to the travel time the buses take. While Alight offers
affordability and the Union accommodates modern amenities, their proximity to campus and transportation options make them desirable choices for students seeking a low stress commute. Alight is the most affordable option of the listed complexes, with the minimum rent starting at around $500. The Union is slightly more expensive than the other options but also has quality appliances, renovated units and amenities similar to the Hub. Both Alight and the Union have nearby bus stop locations and multiple lines of transportation taking them to and from campus. The Edge appeals to those who value proximity to campus, at only 0.3 miles away. A short walk to campus is ideal for students, especially considering Blacksburg’s unpredictable weather. Cons of living in the Edge are slight, as it fosters a variety of amenities and conveniences such as lounges, study areas, a fitness center and a heated swimming pool. Though it’s a bit pricey, residents of the Edge rarely express complaints about their living situations. Whether the pros outweigh the cons of distance from campus is up to students, as well as how much of an inconvenience distance really can be considered. There
is no holistically “perfect” housing option, and wherever students choose to live is largely based on personal preference and availability. Ultimately, the decision hinges on each individual’s priorities, with each housing option offering a unique set of advantages and compromises.
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SPORTS collegiatetimes.com
February 20, 2024 PAGE 7
LACROSSE CRUISES TO VICTORY IN AUTHORITATIVE MATCH AGAINST MERCER Ellen Muldowney | sports staff writer
Ella Rishko scored five goals in a blowout win for the Hokies. Virginia Tech lacrosse took home its first road victory of the season in a 21–8 matchup against Mercer on Saturday afternoon. Tech had an explosive offensive start, dominating every draw control in the first quarter. Attacker Olivia Vergano quickly made efforts towards the goal, scoring within the first minute and a half of the quarter. This marked her fifth total goal of the season. The Bears were not shy of an answer, as midfielder Ansley Walters scored soon after. Gabby DiVirgilio and Caroline Glus also contributed two goals. Hokies attacker Ella Rishko scored
another goal with just under 10 minutes left in the quarter with an assist from Paige Tyson. Fellow attacker Kayla Downey was quick to follow up in a powerplay scenario, scoring another goal just 20 seconds later. This set the tone for the rest of the game, and the quarter, where the Hokies scored seven more goals, ending the first quarter with a 9–3 lead. Mercer slightly kicked up its offense in the second quarter with goals from midfielders Sandy Salit and Kayla Soltys, but the Hokies only increased their lead, ending the quarter up 15–5. The third quarter was the lowest scoring quarter for both teams, with Mercer not
contributing any points and Tech with three from Tyson, Downey and attacker Claire Schotta. Many of the Hokies’ reserves saw the field, with Lilly Kannapell stepping in the goal to start off the fourth quarter. Freshman midfielder Marie Cacciabaudo also received some playing time, scoring her first career goal. Another fresh face, midfielder Mia Pozzi, had an outbreak performance as well, contributing one goal in the fourth and two goals overall for the Hokies. With one more point by Rishko in the last twenty seconds of the quarter, the Hokies pulled a comfortable 21–8 win.
Rishko ended the match with a game-high and a career-high five goals. Downey was also a major contributor, with three assists and four goals. The Hokies will be back in Thompson Field on Wednesday, Feb. 21, when they face Queens University at 4p.m.
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KITLEY AND AMOORE DO IT AGAIN IN ALLAROUND VICTORY AGAINST NO. 18 LOUISVILLE Dylan Tefft | sports staff writer
Tech’s dominant duo combined for 49 points on Sunday. Virginia Tech women’s basketball traveled to downtown Louisville in search of its fifth win over ranked opponents this season. When a team shoots 65% from the field like the Hokies did, they usually grab the victory. Virginia Tech achieved its highest field goal percentage against an ACC team in program history during its 86–70 win against the Cardinals (21–6, 10–4 ACC). The Hokies’ (22– 4, 11–3 ACC) win was fueled by dynamic performances from center Elizabeth Kitley and point guard Georgia Amoore. The star duo looked redhot in the win, both securing double-doubles. Kitley’s presence was felt as early as the opening minutes, draining nine of Virginia Tech’s first 11 points. The most recent ACC Player of the Week poured in a game-high
26 points on 12-of-16 shooting — a primary addition to the Hokies’ historical performance from the field. Kitley added 13 rebounds to her stat sheet — contributing to the center’s 76th career double-double. No active player in the country — barring BYU’s Lauren Gustin — has more career rebounds than Kitley. The dominance on the boards was a key reason for the Hokies’ win, only allowing the Cardinals four second-chance points. Tech dominated the rebound column, 35–24. The Hokies struggled to find threes in the first quarter, shooting 1-for-7 from deep as Kitley’s inside scores allowed Tech to escape the quarter with a 20–13 lead. The Hokies shot 9-for-16 from beyond the arc for the rest of the game. Amoore and guard Cayla King added three deep shots each as Tech drowned
Louisville in treys. King’s 3 -for- 6 performance from beyond the arc is a promising sight for a player who has struggled from range as of late. She was 2-of-16 from three in the preceding two games. Amoore seemed to score at will, shooting 9-for-11 from the field for 23 points in what was the senior’s most efficient game of the season. Her 82% mark decimates her former season-best — a 59% performance at Syracuse on Jan. 28. This offensive performance was aided by 10 assists, giving Amoore her sixth doubledouble of the season. In an attempt to limit Amoore’s impact, Louisville coach Jeff Walz employed an aggressive defensive approach to begin the second half, bombarding the guard with double-teams and traps. This strategy resulted in some takeaways for Louisville,
but the Cardinals’ failure to establish a three-point game kept them down on the scoreboard. Amoore adjusted to this defensive change, scoring seven points and five assists in the third quarter. “I think they put a show on us in my freshman year you know, we lost to them at home, and then my sophomore year I don’t even remember because I played so terrible,” Amoore said after the game. “We knew coming in that we wanted to win here really bad, and you know when you play big games like this you find all the reasons to try and pull it through.” Due to Tech’s recent history with the Cardinals, this was an especially important win for the Australian-born player. “We knew that they probably wanted a bit of redemption because we beat continued on page 8
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continued from page 7 (Louisville) twice, and in the championship game as well last year, so whatever reason we found we made sure that we hung onto it,” Amoore said. Whether the reason was rivalry, revenge or just to add another victory to the Hokies’ record, they hung onto it and defeated Louisville. James Madison transfer Kiki Jefferson shined in the loss for Louisville, scoring 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting. This ties the
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collegiatetimes.com guard’s fifth-highest total of the season. Jefferson provided a late first-half spark for the Cardinals, scoring eight points in under two minutes. She finished the half with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting. The Hokies cooled Jefferson down during the latter half, as she scored just four more points in the remainder of the match. “We scored enough points to win,” Walz said. “We just didn’t guard anybody.” Tech’s 86 points is the most Louisville has allowed since a Dec. 12 loss to
Connecticut, when the Huskies scored the same amount. Virginia Tech will look to extend its winning streak to double digits at 2 p.m. on Feb. 25 in a rematch against North Carolina. UNC is one game removed from a 4-game skid, one of which was a 70-61 overtime loss to the Hokies on Feb. 4.
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MEN’S BASKETBALL LOSES HIGH-SCORING BATTLE AGAINST NO. 7 NORTH CAROLINA Luke Evans | sports staff writer
Tech has lost four of its last five games. Virginia Tech men’s basketball was looking to get its first win at the Dean Smith Center since 2007 on Saturday when it took on No. 7 North Carolina. But after a high-scoring affair, it was the Tar Heels who came out on top, 96–81. The game started off hot for the Hokies (14–11, 6–8 ACC), as sophomore guard MJ Collins had the team’s first seven points. But, as the first half went on, the Virginia Tech offense began to slow down, just as the Tar Heels (20–6, 12–3) began to heat up. The Hokies had kept the score between the two under 10 points for a long period of the first half. They were doing their best to match North Carolina’s offense, the 22nd highest-scoring in the country. But with 10 minutes left in the first half, the Tar Heels began to pull away. At one point, the score was 23–18 in the Tar Heels’ favor. In less than three minutes, the Tar Heels went on an 11–2 run, making the score 34–20 with just over seven minutes to go. The Hokies made things interesting towards the end, going on a 9–2 run themselves to pull it to a seven-point deficit. The first half ended with the Tar Heels up, 50–39. Early foul trouble for the Hokies in the front court saw sophomore center Patrick Wessler get valuable minutes halfway through the first half and the last two minutes of the first half. Those were the only minutes for him in Chapel Hill, making it his eighth appearance for the Hokies this season. The Hokies needed to come back in the second half with better play on both sides
of the ball. Early in the second half, Virginia Tech cut the lead to seven points with 15 minutes left. However, the Hokies were unable to capitalize off a strong start. The rest of the game featured many small runs of scoring from both teams, but Carolina’s lead never got cut below seven points. The Tar Heels went on to win, 96–81. This was a game they needed to win after losing away at Syracuse last Tuesday 86 –79. The Tar Heels had struggled recently, losing three in their last six games, all against ACC opponents. Armando Bacot led the way for the Tar Heels, as he finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds; Virginia Tech’s front court had trouble with him all day. RJ Davis had 20 points, along with Cormac Ryan adding 16 and Harrison Ingram putting up 12 points and 17 rebounds for the Tar Heels. For Virginia Tech, it was Collins who led the way for the Hokies offense, finishing with 18 points. Senior forward Mylyjael Poteat had 15 off the bench. Sophomore guard Tyler Nickel scored 14 against his former team, while Hunter Cattoor and Lynn Kidd each added 11 points. Junior guard Sean Pedulla, a staple in the Hokies offense this season, struggled throughout the game.He finished with just 10 points off of 3-for-13 field goal shooting and a measly 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. Pedulla has struggled in recent games when it comes to shooting the ball. While he had 19 points against Florida State, 14 came from the charity stripe, and he only shot 2-for-9 from the floor. He also shot under 40% against Notre Dame and Duke, respectively. As for the Hokies, this makes four losses
in the last five, all of which came against ACC opponents. They beat Florida State at home before their matchup in Chapel Hill, but lost to Notre Dame, Miami and Duke. The loss to North Carolina moves Virginia Tech’s record to a slightly above-average record of 14-11, with a conference record of 6-8. The Hokies will need a remarkable ACC tournament, one similar to that in 2022, to have a shot of competing in this year’s rendition of the NCAA Tournament. Virginia Tech only has only three quad-one wins in ten games. Lots of missed opportunities against ACC opponents have left them in desperation mode heading into the last few weeks of the season. Virginia Tech will next be in action on Monday, Feb. 19, when it takes on No.21 Virginia at Cassell Coliseum. This year’s Commonwealth Clash will tip off at 7 p.m. The game will be available to watch on ESPN.
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