Canes Put Away VT 76-58
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Sophomore guard
Despite a slow start, Miami (23-4, 14-1) never trailed and improved to 13-0 at home. The Hurricanes hold a 2 1/2-game edge over second-place Duke in the ACC and can clinch their first conference basketball championship by beating the Blue Devils on Saturday.
Virginia Tech (12-16, 3-12) fell deeper into last place in the league. Senior guard
The Hurricanes had averaged only 54.7 points over their past three games and again sputtered at the outset, but led 15-14 despite committing five consecutive turnovers and missing seven straight shots.
Then the onslaught began against the Hokies, who were 18-point underdogs.
Larkin led the way, and not only because of his smothering defense against Green. On consecutive possessions early in the second half, the point guard hit a one-handed runner, sank a 3-pointer and fed
Larkin shot 8 for 12, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. The Hurricanes made 50 percent and went 8 for 21 beyond the arc. Five home wins in the league by Miami have been by at least 18 points.
Green gave the Hokies a scare when he hurt his left side losing the ball and falling in the first half. He went to the bench grimacing but popped a pill and was back in the game a minute later.
Green shot 6 for 13, including just one 3-pointer, and had three turnovers. The Hokies shot 3 for 16 from 3-point range.
The Hurricanes scored on their first five possessions to grab a 9-2 lead. After their offense stalled, they launched a 23-5 run that included 10 points on the final four possessions of the first half for a 38-19 lead.