Virginia Tech Edges UAB in Tournament Action

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By JOE REEDY  Associated Press

NICEVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A trio of Virginia Tech newcomers came up big during the second half and overtime as the Hokies defeated UAB 82-77 in the third-place game at the Emerald Coast Classic.

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Seth Allen, who transferred from Maryland, led Virginia Tech (4-2) with 23 points. With the score tied at 73 in overtime, he hit a 3-pointer to put the Hokies in the lead for good.

Zach LeDay had his fifth double-double in six games with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The South Florida transfer had four points in overtime to put the game out of reach.

Freshman Chris Clarke had his second double-double of the season (10 points, 16 rebounds). With two players in double figures in rebounds, the Hokies had a commanding 46-30 advantage on the boards.

Virginia Tech trailed by eight points midway through the first half before steadily chipping away. The second half and overtime featured nine ties and five lead changes.

Nick Norton was one of four Blazers in double figures with 17 points, including five 3-pointers. His driving layup with 37.1 seconds remaining in regulation gave UAB a 71-69 lead before a pair of LeDay free throws sent the game into overtime.

Robert Brown and Hakeem Baxter scored 16 apiece for UAB (3-3) while Chris Cokley had 12 points and eight rebounds.

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TIP-INS

Virginia Tech: With eight newcomers on this year's team, the Hokies are one of the youngest teams in Division I, averaging 1.10 years of experience per player. That is 326th out of 350 teams.

UAB: In Jerod Haase's four seasons as coach, the Blazers are 44-9 when allowing fewer than 70 points. They are 10-40 when opponents score 70 or more.

STAT LINES

Both sides used 10 players but Virginia Tech's bench had a commanding 40-16 advantage. ... Virginia Tech was 4 of 6 from the field in overtime while UAB struggled, going 1 for 7.

UP NEXT

Virginia Tech: Hosts Northwestern on Tuesday as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.