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Interview: Virginia Tech basketball coach Buzz Williams

Chris Graham

vatechVirginia Tech basketball coach Buzz Williams talks with reporters after the Hokies lost at #2 UVA, 69-57, on Saturday in ACC basketball action.

On the difference in the second half that allowed Virginia to pull away: “I think the most separation happened after the under eight media timeout. It was a four-point game after Satchel [Hill] made those two free throws. They had an out-of-bounds where we were switching and had some miscommunication, so they made a three. Then we came back on the other end and had a turnover. That ignited a 12-2 run. That was the separation right there.”

On limited bench production compared to the game against Duke: “We only scored 57 points tonight, so part of it would be that there weren’t as many possessions against Virginia. Part of it was that they’re a very good defensive team and those kids didn’t play the same number of minutes that they did the other night.”

On the shooting difference compared to the teams’ previous meeting: “I thought we played really well defensively in the first half. Through the first ten minutes of the second half I thought we played fairly well. We gave them too many layups. I thought [Anthony] Gill was phenomenal. He’s a really hard matchup for us. I thought [Malcolm] Brogdon played really well.”

On the being able to rebound competitively: “We’ve been bad on the glass all year, as well as with turnover percentage. I think we’re improving. I think this was the first time we’ve won on the glass. But when [Virginia] shoots 61% in the second half, there’s not as many rebounds to get.

On Virginia’s defense: “If you study their numbers, there are a lot of threats they pose defensively and fifty-seven points is a lot of points versus Virginia. They’re arguably the best defensive half-court team in the country.”

 

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].