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MIAMI (Ticker) -- Elton Tyler made his final game at Miami Arena a memorable one. Tyler scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half as the 18th-ranked Hurricanes concluded their Big East Conference schedule with an 83-77 victory over Virginia Tech. Honored before the game on Senior Day, Tyler was dynamite in the opening half, making 8-of-11 shots, including 3-of-3 from 3-point range, helping the Hurricanes open a 43-31 lead. Darius Rice added 14 points for Miami (23-6, 10-6 Big East East), which needs St. John's to lose to Villanova on Sunday in order to clinch a first-round bye in the conference tournament which begins Wednesday. With the victory, the Hurricanes matched a school record for wins in a season. It is the third time in the last four seasons they have won 23 games. "I am extremely proud of what these guys have been able to do during the regular season," Miami coach Perry Clark said. "To get 23 wins with this schedule we play and starting two sophomores, it really is an amazing feat and they deserve all the credit. It really shows the chemistry and character of this ballclub." Bryant Matthews scored 15 points for the Hokies (10-18, 4-12), who were playing their season finale. Virginia Tech finished in last place in the East Division and did not qualify for the conference tournament for the second straight year. It looked like it was going to be an easy afternoon for the Hurricanes, who led by at least 18 points on three occasions in the second half, the last time at 61-43 with 14:23 remaining on a layup by James Jones. But thanks to some blistering shooting, the Hokies were able to fight their way back into it, pulling with 68-62 with 7:07 to play on a basket by Eric Branham. The Hokies shot 61.5 percent (16-of-26) in the second half and went 6-of-10 from 3-point range. Overall, the Hokies went 11-of-23 from the arc. "I thought it was a testament to my team to come out and play the way they did in the second half," Virginia Tech coach Ricky Stokes said. "We could have just as easily not come out and play at all." But despite their hot shooting, the Hokies could get no closer than five points down the stretch as they failed in attempt for their first three-game winning streak of the season. Tyler made sure the Hurricanes got off to a good start as he scored six points in a 15-4 spurt to start the contest. His two free throws with 8:21 left in the half extended the margin to 26-12. After his big first half, Tyler became nearly invisible in the second half as he took just three shots. Jones and Marcus Barnes each added 13 points for the Hurricanes, who shot 47 percent (29-of-62). |
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