November 25, 2011
Hokies down Oklahoma State, 59-57
Green scores 18 points in the NIT victory
12F
Oklahoma State (3-2) 233457
Virginia Tech (4-1) 322759
  • Madison Square Garden * New York, N.Y. - 8,477
  • High Points: 18 - Erick Green
  • High Rebounds: 14 - Dorian Finney-Smith

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Virginia Tech held off a strong Oklahoma State rally and defeated the Cowboys, 59-57, to claim third place in the NIT Season Tip-Off at Madison Square Garden on Friday afternoon. With the victory, the Hokies improve to 4-1 on the season, while OSU falls to 3-2.

Tech fell behind 8-0 before the first media timeout, but ran out to a 30-19 lead with 2:31 remaining in the first half on a lay-up and free throw by C.J. Barksdale. The Hokies took a 32-23 lead into intermission.

In the second half, Tech held a 53-44 lead with 5:27 remaining, but OSU made a run in the final minutes to close the lead to a single possession. Jarell Eddie and Dorenzo Hudson each made two free throws in the final 17 seconds to help secure the win for Tech.

Erick Green led the Hokies with 18 points and Dorian Finney-Smith recorded his third double-double of the season with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Cadarian Raines grabbed a career-high nine rebounds in just 12 minutes of action. Markel Brown led all scorers with 19 points for the Cowboys.

Tech shot just 25 percent from the floor in the second half, but out rebounded OSU, 45-37, including a 21-14 advantage on the offensive boards. Tech’s bench outscored OSU’s reserves, 18-7.

This is the first of two meetings between the two schools this season, as Virginia Tech and OSU will meet in Stillwater, Okla., on Dec. 31. Tech returns to action on Sunday night, as they host St. Bonaventure at 6 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum.

For updates on Virginia Tech men's basketball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_MBBall).

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