|
|
||
ACC report Date published: 2/9/2010
BY TAFT COGHILL JR. This season has embodied Jeff Allen's basketball career at Virginia Tech. The junior forward went four straight Atlantic Coast Conference games without scoring in double figures. He was ejected from the Hokies' 76-71 overtime victory over Virginia on Jan. 28 for hitting Cavaliers' guard Jeff Jones in the eye with an elbow. But nothing about Allen's career has been easy to figure out. So it should be no surprise that he's bounced back nicely with three straight strong games, including two Virginia Tech victories that have left the Hokies (18-4, 5-3 ACC) tied with Virginia for fourth place in the conference. "I'm really pleased with where Jeff is right now," Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg said in yesterday's ACC coaches' teleconference. "I think he's having fun playing basketball. That's the biggest thing with Jeff." Allen scored 19 points in a loss to Miami on Jan. 31. He contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and four steals in a victory over North Carolina on Thursday. He followed that up with 13 points, six rebounds and four steals in a home win over Clemson on Saturday. Allen is averaging 11.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Greenberg said in past seasons Allen was easily discouraged and he tried to do too much. But now he doesn't worry about carrying the load. He has faith that teammates like ACC leading scorer Malcolm Delaney are there for him. "He's no different than any other player," Greenberg said. They're expectations for him. But when expectations become a burden then it's hard to be successful. If you enjoy the process and understand you have teammates there to support you, you have a chance to play through tough stretches." 1,000-POINT CLUB Maryland is the only team in the ACC with three players who have scored 1,000 points in their career. Seniors Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne have all reached the milestone. Milbourne is the most-recent addition to the group. Milbourne scored just 16 points in his freshman season. Terrapins head coach Gary Williams said when Milbourne first arrived on campus his game consisted of only back-to-the-basket moves. By discovering other ways to score, Milbourne expanded his game and helped Maryland win more. "He's gotten those points in less than three years," Williams said. "He's done a good job for us since his freshman year." NOT JUST A RIVALRY Tomorrow night's game between Maryland and Virginia will be for more than just bragging rights among the bordering states. The Terrapins (16-6, 6-2) are tied with Duke atop the ACC standings in the loss column. The Cavaliers (14-7, 5-3) are tied with Virginia Tech for fourth place. Virginia is coming off a 64-61 overtime loss to Wake Forest. The last time they were coming off an overtime home loss, the Cavaliers trounced North Carolina 75-60 on the road. They can only hope for a similar result at Maryland. "It's a tough environment against a quality opponent," Virginia first-year head coach Tony Bennett said. "That's what this league is."
Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-5526
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
|
|
|||||||||||||
