LeDay’s double-double leads Virginia Tech past Pitt

Zach LeDay led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds led the way as the Virginia Tech Hokies pulled of the 65-61 upset over the Pitt Panthers Wednesday night at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, VA.

LeDay had game-highs in both points and rebounds for the Hokies with 20 and 10. Seth Allen and Justin Robinson had 10 points apiece for Virginia Tech (17-13 overall, 9-8 Atlantic Coast Conference), winners of four straight.

Michael Young led the Panthers (20-9, 9-8) in points with 16 and in rebounds with nine. James Robinson was the only other Panthers player in double figures with 11.

The Hokies had a late 13-point lead, 63-50, after Allen’s lay-up with 4:55 remaining in the second half.

Pitt then went on an 11-1 run, chipping away at the Hokies lead with strong defense by forcing three turnovers. Several free throws, and baskets by Chris Jones and Young, cut the lead to 64-61 with 1:10 remaining.

After a missed 3-pointer by Robinson in the final minute to tie the game, one LeDay free throw with 19 seconds remaining iced the game for Virginia Tech.

This was a game of runs. Virginia Tech went on a 12-0 run in the first half to put them up 22-19, then Pitt immediately answered and went on a 7-0 run towards the end of the first half.

Virginia Tech led 27-26 at halftime.

The Hokies then went on a 16-4 run in the second half before the Panthers went on their final run.

The Panthers will finish the regular season on Saturday on the road at Georgia Tech, while the Hokies will finish the regular season hosting the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes on Saturday.