February 11, 2020

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February 11, 2020

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

Love

IS IN THE AIR

Happy Valentine’s Day, Virginia Tech

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CAT PIPER

PAGE 2 February 11, 2020

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Hokie women evolve from minority on campus to pioneers in student media organizations

“

From feeling unrecognized to creating their own yearbook, Virginia Tech women have taken leadership positions by storm.

To the PIONEERS whose courage has inspired us to greater deeds, and whose guidance has directed us to happier paths and made pleas-our college days: This, the 1929 Tin Horn, is dedicated.”

So begins the 1929 edition of Virginia Tech’s Tin Horn, a yearbook created entirely by women students at Virginia Tech after they were restricted from joining the Bugle, the official yearbook.

I first learned about this female-powered yearbook in an interview with the current editor-in-chief of the Bugle, Molly Crews.

Crews tells the story of the yearbook at Virginia Tech: “The Bugle started when the Virginia Tech campus was only men.

When women started to come on campus, women were not allowed to be in the Bugle. They created their own version which they called the Tin Horn. It was kind of a spoof on the Bugle. Now, we’re actually a predominantly female staff.”

In an act of defiance against the limitations posed on them, Virginia Tech’s earliest female students created the Tin Horn. It lives on in our library databases, where four editions of it (1925, 1929, 1930 and 1931) are made available.

The 1925 edition depicts various “campus scenes” such as the “Library Tower” and “1st Academic Building” with simple doodles. The colored outlines of each section are done in a wobbly fashion, emphasizing the amateur but authentic tone of the text. They finish by asking readers “to lay the faults to the imperfections of our instrument, for only shrill and discordant notes can be produced by a tin horn.”

The 1929 edition begins with a

collection of 12 photos of the campus, showing the academic buildings, dormitories and greenery. Peering at the small black and white scenes, it’s an unrecognizable Virginia Tech.

the water ... We became exceedingly alert and quick movers, in fact we became so efficient in dodging water that we decided to extend our athletic ability even further, and as a consequence of this we had a

“The Bugle started when the Virgin-

ia Tech campus was only men. When women started to come to campus, women were not allowed to be in the Bugle. They created their own version called the Tin Horn.

”

This strange, foreign campus is further detailed in “A Co-Ed’s Diary,” where an author of the Tin Horn tells her experience as a female Virginia Tech student through a series of diary entries. Her first entry begins with disappointment: “September 17, 1926 … (I) expected at least politeness at college. But I was destined to be disappointed. It didn’t take me long to become disillusioned about V.P.I. I s’pose one can hardly blame the boys for feeling about us as they do. It must be a nuisance to have co-eds in classes …”

She continues to write about their cold welcome to Virginia Tech. “Some of the professors didn’t appreciate us any more than the boys did … One of the professors was even so inconsiderate as to say that our class of co-eds was dumb.”

In this same entry, she writes about how men have been throwing water at them from their windows as they pass by.

“Up went the windows and down came

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Molly Crews Editor-in-Chief of the Bugle

basketball team ... Of course we weren’t in the Athletic Association, so we couldn’t expect support at our games. A few of the boys did come and always rooted for the opposing team. Not very sportsmanlike, but maybe some day it will be different. I wonder?”

I wonder if she could have dreamed that years later, the editor-in-chief of the Bugle

would be a woman, running a mostly female-staffed yearbook. I wonder if her class of five female graduating seniors, all majoring in home economics, could have imagined that today, 12,534 women are undergraduate students at Virginia Tech, with majors in business, engineering, science and liberal arts. I wonder if she knew that while she paid respects to previous pioneers, she was a pioneer herself, leading the way to the wonderful, diverse campus we have today.

Maybe she did dream of this. Four years after her first entry, in 1929, she writes one of her final entries before graduation: “January 25. We played Radford to-nite and it was wonderful! Not the score, because they beat us as usual, but the way the boys came out and rooted for us. I never dreamed so many boys would come to a co-ed game.”

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February 11, 2020 PAGE 3

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Hokies remember Turner Place chef Thai Huynh On top of being head chef at Origami, Huynh had a special knack for making Virginia Tech students smile.

CAROLINE BODA news staff writer

After many months in his battle with cancer, Virginia Tech’s beloved Thai Huynh passed away early the morning of Friday, Jan. 10.

Huynh was loved by many within the Hokie community. As the head teppanyaki chef at Origami restaurant in Turner Place, Huynh loved cooking for students and was a familiar face known to many who stopped by Origami regularly for sushi and a friendly smile. Huynh was also loved by all who had the opportunity to work alongside him.

Gabe Petry, food production manager in Dining Services, met Huynh long before either of them came to Virginia Tech. In the early years of what ended up being a two-decade-long friendship, Huynh’s selfless character quickly became evident.

“Thai was, probably unknowingly, the most influential person (to) me at this time in my life ... I already owed him a lot but he never took anything other than a smile and a handshake,” Petry said.

Huynh and Petry shared many memories while cooking meals together in the evenings after long shifts spent at the steakhouse and sushi bar restaurant they worked at. No matter what the pair was doing, whether it was cooking in the evenings, working, vacationing or teaching culinary camp, Huynh’s kind nature made any time spent together extremely meaningful.

“Thai always encouraged me to do something new or that I was unsure about,” Petry said. “He had a way of taking you under wing and before you know it, you are in deep to something new. Thai knew how to make anything you can think of enjoyable.”

Huynh’s character in friendship was just the same in his work as well.

Whether it be a close friend or a student whose dinner he was cooking, he always remained authentic and light-hearted with those he was around.

“Watching Thai interact with other people is the most entertaining education

I ever experienced,” Petry said. “He knew how to ‘act-up’ just enough and genuinely hang on every word to connect with you and was contagiously fun no matter what.”

Similarly, John Barrett, assistant director at Turner Place, spoke of the positive influence Huynh had on every person he interacted with. Huynh had a special inclination toward students and loved cooking for them daily. But, more than that, he was intentional in creating relationships with the students he cooked meals for.

“I think you could speak volumes of what Thai meant to the people that he provided meals to and still never touch but the surface of what he truly did,” Barrett said. “He wanted every guest to have the best possible experience that they could have. He was truly one of a kind, a person that had a big heart and truly cared about the people cooked for. It was amazing to watch him cook for the students. He was engaging, funny and interacted with the guests as to make them feel that they were part of the experience.”

The impact of Huynh’s kindness toward everyone around him will undoubtedly continue in Virginia Tech’s community for years to come. Huynh’s positivity and friendly nature is something that Origami could never forget.

“He always had a smile, and that is what I will miss the most,” Barrett said.

If you would like to donate to the Huynh family in remembrance of Thai, you can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ thahi-and-joli-hyun-cancer-fight-fund.

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Livestock, soap or actual stock: Here’s what to get your signifcant other based on his or her college Stumped on what to get your favorite engineer or biology major? Look no further with our helpful gift guide this Valentine’s Day. BRANDON ALIMANESTIANO lifestyles staff writer

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and you were too concerned with not remembering the existence of Valentine’s Day that you forgot to think of a gift for your significant other. It also makes it so much more difficult to choose a gift because you lied to them when you first started dating –– saying that you were really creative and that you come up with the best presents ever, even for people you don’t know well.

If you’re reading this, you have found yourself in quite a situation.

If you get the standard flowers and chocolates, they’re going to see right through your web of lies.

Besides, you can’t ask them if they are allergic to chocolate because they will know something is up.

Well, in all fairness, unless you’re dating a dog, chocolate is a pretty safe bet –– but it’s a lame gift.

Okay, it’s time to get creative.

You have to get a Valentine’s gift that shows your admiration for your significant other, and it has to mean something to them. How about we go and get something based on their major? After all, Virginia Tech has a wide variety of students, and it’s the first question lame dudes ask people at parties.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences If your significant other is studying agriculture of some kind, go right ahead to the nearest livestock auction. Whether you

surprise them in their dorm room with a donkey, goat or cow, they will surely appreciate the fact that you went lengths to cover the floor in excrement. The smell will remind them of their field experience and when they first realized you were the one.

Repeat this if they are studying something in natural resources, except with frogs, worms and rare birds.

Pamplin College of Business If your date isn’t much of an animal person and is majoring in business of some kind, think about why they wanted to major in business in the first place. This is gift-giving 101 advice. If they’re a business major, let them randomly text you for a referral on the Robinhood app so they get a free stock.

This “networking opportunity” will put them in the happy place of every Pamplin student: the line at Benny’s at two in the morning, telling everyone about how they’re going to start an e-commerce business with an emphasis on social media. They will have 17 cents of Morgan Stanley in their pocket and a renewed sense of hustling and grinding over their haters.

College of Science Let’s say your date is a little more science-y. They study science in college, and you failed 11th grade biology. You did learn a little bit in chemistry though, and you know your partner is struggling in o-chem. If you want them to

spend more time with you and less time studying, forget the movies.

Take them on a tour of Southwest Virginia’s wooded areas. You might find a number of successful chemists who know plenty about science and your significant other will be spending more time with you in a matter of days.

College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences If your date is studying liberal arts, there are two ways to go about this, based on whether they are studying theory or practice. If they major in something that primarily involves reading, get them a job.

Literally any job will do.

If they are reading themselves through their undergrad to move on to law school, alternatively get them a secretary. Yes, hire them a secretary now so they won’t have to worry about someone learning their schedules now. This will also aid you down the road if you two lovebirds get into a fight. The secretary will be able to keep them on hold for you until the human resources team you hired for their birthday arrives.

If their liberal arts degree involves communication or performance of some kind, be sure to get them something that they can talk to endlessly regardless of how many hours it has been. The answer is simple: a dog or a cat. Nothing says you love someone more than signing them up with a furry 10- to 20-year commitment.

College of Architecture and

Urban Studies So, your date is an architecture major. They are quite secretive, so it might be hard to tell what they want for Valentine’s Day. You could play to the mystery though and get them clothes –– black clothes. The more black turtlenecks and slacks in an architect’s wardrobe the happier the architect –– it’s an old saying.

College of Engineering If you’re still reading this, that means your significant other must be an engineering major. This might seem like the hardest demographic to get a Valentine’s gift for, but it is actually quite easy. Just give them a hug. They just need a hug sometimes, and maybe a little soap.

Well, now that you have the perfect gift suggestions for your significant other, have a wonderful Valentine’s Day at Virginia Tech.

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MEET THE CT

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February 11, 2020 PAGE 5

Emily Hannah managing editor

Collegiate Times (CT): What is your dream date?

Emily Hannah (EH): I really like museums, so maybe a really, really nice dinner and a crazy museum.

CT: Do you believe in love at first sight?

EH: I definitely believe in, “Oh, that guy’s attractive,” and there can be sparks looking at each other, but I don’t know if I believe in fate.

CT: Do you think there’s only one right person for everyone?

EH: No. CT: What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?

EH: The worst date I’ve ever been on was probably in high school. The guy picked me up and the dinner was crappy. Then we went to an arcade and he purposefully tried to beat me at everything. I didn’t have a very nice date.

CT: This is your rapid fire of favorite

Valentine’s Day things. Favorite Valentine’s Day candy?

EH: Heart-shaped SweeTARTS CT: Favorite Valentine’s Day song?

EH: “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison or “Danny’s Song” by Loggins and Messina.

CT: Favorite Valentine’s Day movie?

EH: “Love Actually” even though it’s a Christmas movie.

CT: Favorite Valentine’s Day meal?

EH: If someone cooked me dinner, steak and taters, and for dessert, some kind of strawberry shortcake.

CT: What can any eligible bachelor do to win over Emily Hannah?

EH: Be funny and nice to my friends ... and maybe like Harry Styles.

Local Blacksburg shops have your back when it comes to V-Day gifts Earrings, chocolate, flowers or donuts: Support locally owned businesses when shopping for your partner.

ABBIGALE EVANS lifestyles staff writer

If you’re panicking that your significant other will never love you again because you’re struggling to find a Valentine’s Day gift for them, never fear. Blacksburg may be a small town, but there are still plenty of places to find a sweet present for your special someone.

If you’re looking for a romantic floral bouquet to surprise your sweetheart, the Virginia Tech Horticulture Club offers roses for prices as low as $5. Roses come wrapped in wax paper or in a vase, and some options even come with baby’s breath. Roses can be delivered to any address in Blacksburg or picked up at Saunders Hall on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

In the case you’re an unfortunate forgetful soul pressed for time, you could pick up some flowers on your shopping trip. Both Blacksburg Krogers offer flowers for low prices and they look just as beautiful. You could even buy a variety of different flowers and make your own arrangement.

PHOTO BY MEG CONNORS

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If your significant other is into thrifting, you could pick them up something that reminds you of them from the newly opened VT Thrift. The pop-up shop is open for the semester and is located in downtown Blacksburg at 116 N. Main St. and is open Fridays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Pick up some affordable, cute finds that are sure to put a smile on your sweetheart’s face.

You could even get your significant other a more school-spirited gift like a Virginia Tech hoodie or shirt. Hoodies are cozy and every college student’s go-to comfy classroom apparel. There’s no doubt your gift would be well loved and worn frequently. Swing by the Campus Emporium store downtown and pick up some Hokie gear this Valentine’s Day. Support your fellow students and gift your significant other a pair of trendy earrings from Mint To Be Crafty. This is a small business run by Sydney Cole who makes clay-based dangling earrings ranging in all kinds of shapes and colors, from small

green leaves to Hokie-colored half circles.

These are sure to make your sweetheart feel as beautiful as you know they are.

If you want a sweet surprise for your significant other, two local shops offer just what you’re looking for. The Chocolate Spike offers heart-shaped boxes of chocolate truffles with flavors ranging from raspberry to mint fillings. Prices range from $4.99 to $32.99 and you can even pre-order them.

Carol Lee Donuts also offers Valentine’s Day donuts that have light pink frosting with

pink and white sprinkles. Show your significant other how much you care with a dozen donuts.

With the wide selection of gifts Blacksburg has to offer, some of these ideas are guaranteed to keep the love in your relationship lasting longer than the flowers you buy your significant other.

@CollegiateTimes

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CAT PIPER

PAGE 6 February 11, 2020

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Love you a latte: Try these breakfast spots when you mbiene u & me grub with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day weekend evfoer r

Whether you’re an early bird or a late riser, check out these restaraunts or cute coffee shops by yourself or with your S.O. ISA DIAZ

lifestyles staff writer

Valentine’s Day is upon us once again, and whether you’ve been in a relationship for years, you’re asking someone out for the first time or you’re focusing on some well-deserved self-love, you’re probably searching for something to do.

When you think of Valentine’s dates, what comes to mind is probably a slew of images of candlelit dinners or trips to the movies. However, this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, giving patrons the whole weekend to celebrate and bringing another viable date option to the table: breakfast. Whether you and your significant other are early birds or you prefer to rise later and treat yourself to brunch, there’s a cute date spot for every type of person in Blacksburg.

For the coffee lovers, there are coffee shops galore in downtown Blacksburg worth exploring this and every weekend.

Tucked away in Market Square Park just off Roanoke Street, Idego Coffee caters to the hipsters and foodie Instagrammers, with its sleek interior

offering picture-worthy lattes and an inviting environment to sit and chat. “I like that they care about doing things the right way,” said junior political science and professional and technical writing major Elizabeth Sholtis, a frequent patron of Idego.

Lattes, mochas and more arrive at their patrons lovingly crafted, with classic foam art resting on the top of every drink. And if you’re more interested in the environment than the coffee, worry not. “I also really enjoy that the layout of the space invited you to be social,” Sholtis said. “It’s structured to be more social than a quiet study spot.”

If you’re seeking something a little more relaxed or perhaps a shop with a little more variety, look no further than Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, a local chain with a location on Main Street right in downtown Blacksburg. Three different menus offer a vast selection of not just espresso drinks but also sandwiches, salads, a wide variety of tea blends and even ice cream. The menu also provides clear vegetarian and dairy-free options to accommodate any dietary restrictions

you might have. It’s a great place to take yourself on a solo date if you want to study or read a book, but also provides a nice relaxed environment perfect for a coffee (or tea, or sandwich) date for two.

More of a brunch person than a coffee connoisseur? There are plenty of options for you to explore this Valentine’s Day weekend if you want to take your beau out to breakfast. A popular casual spot for weekend brunch is Joe’s Diner, open for breakfast seven days a week from eight in the morning until two in the afternoon.

Serving up comfort food from biscuits and gravy to french toast, Joe’s Diner is a great spot to find good food without having to change out of your sweatpants.

It can be tough to get a seat sometimes since Joe’s will only seat you if your whole party is present, and the wait on a particularly busy Saturday morning can seem intimidating. Is it worth it?

“Absolutely,” said Grace Hecker, a sophomore at Virginia Tech. “The people who work there are welcoming and friendly.

It’s my favorite place to go for brunch in Blacksburg.”

If you’re looking for someplace where

Idego Coffee boasts plenty of space for anyone ready to cram for an assignment or relax with a mocha.

the options are a little different, try local hot spot Gillie’s. Sitting on College Avenue across from Theater 101, this charming restaurant serves delicious brunch with a twist: every dish offered is vegetarian-friendly. Patrons can dig into delicious versions of classics like pancakes and huevos rancheros, and the more adventurous can try “something different” like bruschetta or the smoked salmon hash. Rich buttermilk biscuits are available as an optional side dish with almost every entree. Chill and accommodating even on the busiest of Sunday mornings, Gillie’s is a Blacksburg favorite that can be worth checking out even if you’re not an herbivore.

No matter what you’re feeling like this Valentine’s Day weekend, there’s something for everyone in Blacksburg regardless of your taste in dates or even relationship status. Show yourself some love and dig in.

@CollegiateTimes

ANNA FRIESEN / COLLEGIATE TIMES

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February 11, 2020 PAGE 7

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NC State hands women’s hoops first home loss Despite 19 points from Taja Cole and 15 points from Dara Mabrey, the Hokies lost to the No.7 Wolfpack 71-59 at Cassell.

COLBY TALLEY sports staff writer

The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team (16-5, 6-4 ACC) hosted the N.C. State Wolfpack (21-1, 10-1 ACC) on Thursday, Feb. 6, for a game that served as a rematch of a game from early January where the Hokies lost 76-69 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Virginia Tech came into the game off the heels of a big conference win, while N.C. State came in riding a seven-game win streak.

The first half saw N.C. State take control early with stifling interior defense, and an advantage in rebounding that led to easy second chance points. Virginia Tech struggled to find a shooting rhythm, going 6-30 from the field in the first half, with Taja Cole leading the way with 10 points.

The score at the half was 28-17, with the Wolfpack on top.

N.C. State started the second half by jumping out to a 33-19 lead, which would end up being its biggest lead of the night.

From there, the Hokies started to slowly chip away at the deficit, with a 20-7 scoring run that enabled Virginia Tech to climb within one point of the Wolfpack lead before the end of the third quarter.

“We had an opportunity to get back into the game and cut it to one in the third quarter, and was on pure effort,” said head coach Kenny Brooks after the game.

“We just ‘efforted’ our way back into the game.”

Despite the valiant comeback effort by the Hokies, N.C. State started to build its lead back up aided largely by free throws.

Virginia Tech was faced with a frustrating amount of foul calls in the final quarter, which led to the Wolfpack shooting 22 of its 28 free throws in the final 10 minutes of play, while shooting 82.1% from the line

for the game. The excessive amount of fouls being called helped N.C. State keep its distance from the Hokies until the end of the game.

The standout performance of the game went to N.C. State center Elissa Cunane, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Meanwhile for the Hokies, Cole ended her good night with a game-leading 19 points, with Dara Mabrey chipping in 15 points of her own in the losing effort.

When questioned about how he feels about the team going forward, coach Brooks was quite optimistic.

“It’s not often that you can walk in and there’s a seventh ranked team in the country coming into your building and you feel like you have a good chance of winning if you play well,” Brooks said.

“It’s a disappointing loss and we know we didn’t play well, but we are going to learn

from it and we have to put it behind us very quickly.”

The women’s team will be back in action Sunday, Feb. 9, against UNC.

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Tech baseball looks forward to improved season Nick Biddison believes that offense will be more consistent than last season, and pitching position shows more depth.

JAMES GILMORE sports staff writer

The 2019 baseball season for the Hokies was one of inconsistency, injuries and tough losses. The overall record for the season was 26-27 and 9-21 in the ACC. However, the team’s prospects seem to be looking up. Head coach John Szefc and his players are excited for what this season will bring.

“As an offense, we were pretty inconsistent last year,” said sophomore infielder Nick Biddison. “We would get hot and then go cold so we just got to keep playing like we know we can.”

During the off-season, coach Szefc brought in a few experienced junior college players including junior Anthony Simonelli to help out the pitching staff.

Look for him or senior Peyton Alford to be the game three starter, as sophomore Chris Gerard and junior Ian Seymour will

most likely pitch games one and two.

Sophomore infielder Kevin Madden thinks that Simonelli can really help this team improve. “(Simonelli) is really going to help us in that third game because last year, we didn’t really have a lock in that game last year,” Madden said.

Offensively, this team will be led by outstanding sophomores Biddison and Madden, who are looking to do anything for more wins this season.

“Neither one of us have said that we want to be named this, it’s more of wanting to do whatever we can to get to the ACC Tournament, NCAA regionals and a super regional,” Biddison said.

In 2019, Madden finished the season with 62 hits to lead the team and was second on the team in batting average at .316. Defensively, look for Madden to be at the hot corner.

Biddison had a great freshman season as well, leading the team in slugging

percentage at .500. He was also third on the team in home runs with eight. In the field, coach Szefc uses Biddison almost anywhere. Last season he started 25 games at catcher, 25 games in center field and a few games at multiple infield spots.

“Whatever it takes to win, it doesn’t matter to me,” Szefc said.

Some other players to look out for are freshman Fritz Genther in the infield and senior Tanner Thomas, who started 51 games last season in the outfield.

“I was surprised right away by how (Genther) carries himself and how hard he works,” Madden said. “He is definitely ready to take on that starting shortstop role. I’m happy for him and look forward to playing alongside him.”

Overall, this team thinks it has a lot of untapped potential.

“We have a lot of under-the-radar guys and I think you will be surprised,” Biddison said.

Virginia Tech’s first game is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14, against San Diego State in the Brittain Resorts’ Baseball at the Beach tournament in Conway, South Carolina. The home opener is on Tuesday, Feb. 18, against East Tennessee State University.

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PAGE 8 February 11, 2020

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Hokies fall to Eagles, continuing losing streak Tech basketball extended its ACC losing streak to five games after losing a 77-73 overtime nail-biter to Boston College.

JOEY RABE sports staff writer

Virginia Tech fell to 14-10 (5-8 ACC) following its 77-73 loss to Boston College, which improved to 12-12 (6-7 ACC). The Hokies were led by Landers Nolley, who scored 29 points and added 11 rebounds in the loss. This marks the second time the Hokies have lost to Boston College in the last month following their defeat to the Eagles back on Jan. 27.

With the loss, Tech extended its losing streak to five games. Head coach Mike Young discussed the team’s mindset amid this losing streak after the game.

“I think we’re fine. It’s how you deal with it,” Young said. “We are going to deal with it by continuing to compete, continuing to get better.”

The game opened up on a Landers Nolley block, which he quickly followed up with a nice drive and layup to get the Hokies on the scoreboard early. Nahiem Alleyne then hit a tough and-one bucket inside to put the Hokies up 5-0.

After going down 8-7, Virginia Tech rattled off a 13-0 run that featured two 3-pointers in a row by Alleyne, as well as one from Isaiah Wilkins to put the Hokies up 20-8 on the Eagles.

Virginia Tech’s defense was great to start the game as it forced turnovers and had multiple blocks at the rim.

Additionally, the guards were doing a great job of stopping dribble penetration and staying in front of Boston College’s perimeter players.

Jalen Cone provided a great spark off the bench as he scored six points on 3-4 shooting, including an offensive rebound and put back followed by a tough eurostep and floater to put the Hokies on top 24-15.

After going up 31-21 on a Bede jumper, the Hokies ran into a dry spell on offense while also allowing Boston College to hit two 3-pointers. The Eagles were able to go on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 31-29.

The Hokies finally ended their cold spell when Nolley hit a mid-range jumper.

Nolley heated up to close the first half, scoring seven points in the last two minutes, including one 3-pointer. Despite this, however, Virginia Tech clinged to a five point lead as they went into the locker rooms leading 38-33.

After the game, Alleyne was asked where he thought things went wrong in the

first half after giving up a 14-point lead.

“They were just getting to the rim,” Alleyne said. “Our on-ball defense was great. I think we just fouled them a lot and they just got to the line and started knocking down their free throws.”

In the first half, the Hokies shot 53.3% from the floor and made four of their 11 3-point attempts. Nolley led the team in scoring with 12 points on an efficient five for eight shooting. Tech was also able to hold Boston College to just 44.4% from the floor while forcing eight turnovers.

After a slow start to open the second half that saw Boston College cut Tech’s lead to just one point at 40-39, the Hokies were able to go on a quick 5-0 run to push the lead back up to six points.

This was short lived, however, as the Eagles immediately went on a 12-0 run to go up 51-45. This run featured three 3-pointers and some strong defense by Boston College. Virginia Tech’s offense looked out of sorts during this run and players struggled with handling the ball, as they turned it over multiple times.

This run finally ended when Nolley hit two buckets in a row to bring Tech back to within two points. Following a turnover

by Bede, Hunter Cattoor had a great steal and pass to Nolley for the emphatic two-handed slam to bring Tech to within three points at 56-53. This was followed by a P.J. Horne tip-in and a Nolley coastto-coast layup to give Tech the lead at 57-56.

With just under a minute to go in regulation, Boston College took a 66-62 lead after hitting a free throw to make it a two possession game. Alleyne was able to hit an acrobatic layup with 40.2 seconds to go, but Tech could not keep the Eagles off the free throw line.

With 29.3 seconds left in regulation, Boston College missed the front end of a one-and-one and Alleyne was able to drive inside and draw a foul with 4.4 seconds left. He calmly hit both free throws to tie the game at 66 apiece; after stopping a last second shot by Derryck Thornton, the game headed into overtime.

Alleyne was asked after the game if he felt much pressure when he tied the game at the free throw line at the end of regulation.

“No, I’ve done it before in high school,” Alleyne said. “It doesn’t affect me.”

Overtime opened up with a Bede

3-pointer to put the Hokies up 69-66.

However, Tech was plagued by fouls and continued sending the Eagles to the free throw line. After Alleyne fouled out with under a minute to go, Steffon Mitchell hit one of two free throws to tie the game. Mitchell followed that up by hitting Boston College’s lone field goal in overtime on a clutch layup with 11.6 seconds to go. Nolley missed a 3-pointer, and Mitchell was able to seal the game with two seconds left and Boston College won 77-73.

For the game, Boston College shot 26 free throws compared to just 11 free throw attempts by the Hokies. This included going nine of 10 from the line in overtime.

Tech struggled on offense in the second

half and overtime when Boston College switched to a zone. Coach Young talked about how this changed their offense.

“It’s more specific; it’s not as freeflowing at times,” Young said. “We had some actions, more so in the first half than we had in the second.”

Virginia Tech is now 10-4 at home on the season. The Hokies will play host to Pitt at Cassell Coliseum next Saturday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.

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ALEXYS RIVERS / COLLEGIATE TIMES Hokies’ Tyrece Radford (23) looks to make a play, Feb. 8, 2020.