INTRODUCTION:

The Virginia Tech Hokies basketball team faced a tough defeat on the road against Michigan, falling 75-63 in a game that showcased both promise and areas of improvement. Despite a determined effort from his squad, Hokies head coach Mike Young acknowledged the challenges his team faced in the loss. In his post-game remarks, Coach Young shared valuable insights into why Virginia Tech wasn’t able to secure a victory despite showing heart and resilience on the court.

A Strong Start, But Struggles in Key Moments

From the outset, Virginia Tech showed they weren’t intimidated by the challenge of playing in front of a packed Michigan crowd. The Hokies came out aggressive, playing tough defense and moving the ball well offensively. Early in the game, they were able to match Michigan’s intensity, leading to a competitive first half.

However, as the game progressed, the Hokies struggled to maintain their momentum. While they kept things close in the first half, Virginia Tech couldn’t consistently execute their game plan in the second half. Coach Young reflected on the team’s performance, noting that there were moments of excellence but also areas where they faltered.

“We came out strong and played some really good basketball,” Coach Young remarked. “But we just didn’t capitalize on key moments, especially in the second half. Michigan made some big plays, and we had a few too many missed opportunities that cost us the game.”

Michigan’s Depth and Size

One of the primary challenges for the Hokies throughout the game was Michigan’s size and depth. The Wolverines were able to dominate the paint, using their physicality to out-rebound Virginia Tech and gain second-chance points. Coach Young recognized that Michigan’s strength in the frontcourt played a significant role in the outcome.

“They have a big, physical team,” said Coach Young. “We just couldn’t match their size and rebounding, especially in the second half. That’s an area we need to improve on if we want to compete with teams like Michigan.”

Despite the Hokies’ best efforts, Michigan controlled the boards with a noticeable advantage in rebounds, which translated into more opportunities to score. This was a major factor in the Wolverines pulling away late in the game, as they capitalized on second-chance points and offensive rebounds.

Offensive Inconsistencies

Virginia Tech’s offense also faced difficulties in the game, particularly when it came to shooting accuracy. While the Hokies had some strong individual performances, they struggled to hit crucial shots when it mattered most. Despite creating good looks, the team’s shooting percentage wasn’t high enough to keep pace with Michigan’s offensive attack.

“We just weren’t efficient enough on offense,” Coach Young explained. “We had some great ball movement and got open looks, but we just couldn’t hit those shots at the right times. In games like this, that’s the difference.”

The Hokies shot just over 40% from the field, which, while not disastrous, wasn’t enough to overcome Michigan’s hot shooting. The Wolverines shot nearly 50% from the floor, including some key three-pointers that helped them stretch their lead in the second half.

Positives to Build On

While the loss was disappointing, Coach Young emphasized that there were positives to take away from the game. The Hokies showed they could hang with a top-tier team for large stretches of the game. Players like Justyn Mutts and Grant Basile displayed flashes of brilliance, contributing both offensively and defensively. Young also praised his team’s effort, saying that the loss wasn’t due to a lack of hustle or energy.

“The effort was there tonight,” Young said. “We’ve got some young guys who are learning on the fly, and they showed a lot of heart. We just have to keep improving in key areas like rebounding, shooting efficiency, and consistency.”

Coach Young also highlighted the importance of using this experience to grow as a team. Playing against a program like Michigan, with their talent and tradition, is a valuable opportunity for the Hokies to learn and build for the rest of the season.

“This is a tough loss, but it’s also a learning experience,” Young explained. “We’ll take the lessons from tonight and use them to get better. We’ve got a lot of basketball left, and we know what we need to work on.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, the Hokies’ performance against Michigan offers hope for the rest of the season. Virginia Tech is still in the process of finding its rhythm and identity, and Coach Young is optimistic that his team can make strides as the year progresses. The key, as always, will be consistency—particularly in shooting, rebounding, and handling adversity in critical moments.

“We’ve got a tough group, and we’ll be ready to bounce back,” Young said. “We’ve got the right mindset, and we’re going to keep working. It’s all part of the journey.”

As Virginia Tech moves forward, they’ll look to build on the lessons learned from their game at Michigan. While this loss stings, it serves as a reminder that success in college basketball requires both physical and mental fortitude. With Coach Young’s leadership and a growing team dynamic, the Hokies will continue to strive for improvement as they tackle the rest of their season.