For the first time in weeks, the Virginia Tech Hokies were healthy.
With Hunter Cattoor back in the lineup, the pressure that had been heaped on the others players could be lessened especially for Sean Pedulla.
Pedulla, along with Justyn Mutts, had taken on a lot of the offensive burden while Cattoor was out.
With the starters back to being at full strength, one would think the Hokies would’ve given Virginia a better game but they didn’t and it started at the point guard position.
Virginia’s Kihei Clark is one of the best on-ball defense guards in the ACC. This is known. But Clark’s ability to completely outplay Pedulla on both ends of the floor meant the Hokies had little to no chance to win.
That’s not to blame the loss on Pedulla. There are quite of few reasons why the Cavaliers won the game but a lot of those reasons starter with the two primary ball-handlers.
Clark was a pest all night. He gave Pedulla fits and made the Hokies point guard after to concentrate more on not making mistakes than making plays.
When Pedulla got careless with the rock, Clark took advantage like when Pedulla “showed” the ball in the first half and Clark took it away from him and got the layup.
It wasn’t any better on the other end. It could be argued that Pedulla had the advantage on the offensive end but you couldn’t tell.
Clark can be cagey by using a change in speed when he has the ball. He used all the tricks in his bag and the Hokies couldn’t keep up and Clark ended the night with 20 points, 5 assists and 1 turnover.
Pedulla’s struggles directly contributed to Mutts’ lack of offensive punch in the points category.
Virginia made Mutts into a facilitator but if Pedulla is taking care of his business, it would’ve made things easier for Mutts.
This game should sting for the Pedulla and the Hokies but he will have a chance to even the score on February 4th when Virginia comes to Blacksburg.
