K-State-Virginia Tech basketball preview
Updated: 2011-12-04T04:05:11Z
•WHEN/WHERE: 4:30 p.m. today at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.
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TV/RADIO: ESPNU; WHB (810 AM)
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ABOUT KANSAS STATE (4-0): The Wildcats are hoping to keep their undefeated start going on the road. This will be their first game away from Bramlage Coliseum. … Freshman forward Thomas Gipson has been big for K-State in its first four games, averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds. … The Wildcats will need Will Spradling and Rodney McGruder to play well for a full 40 minutes today. Both have been good in spurts this season, but rarely at the same time. … This will be a homecoming of sorts for Jamar Samuels. His hometown of Washington, D.C., isn’t that far away, and several family members will be in attendance.
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ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (5-2): Four of the Hokies’ five wins have come at home. Virginia Tech is traditionally tough to beat in Cassell Coliseum and takes advantage of loud crowds. … The Hokies are coming off a 58-55 loss at Minnesota, and are looking to bounce back behind guards Erick Green and Dorenzo Hudson. Green leads the team with 16.5 points per game. … Virginia Tech has already faced a Big 12 opponent this season, beating Oklahoma State in the preseason NIT.
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BOTTOM LINE: Virginia Tech has the best lineup of guards that K-State has faced. Spradling and Irving will need to be up for the challenge.
| P | No. | Virginia Tech | Ht. | Yr. | PPG |
| F | 31 | Jarell Eddie | 6-7 | So. | 8.1 |
| F | 15 | Dorian Finney-Smith | 6-8 | Fr. | 7.3 |
| C | 14 | Victor Davilla | 6-8 | Sr. | 7.9 |
| G | 11 | Erick Green | 6-3 | Jr. | 16.5 |
| G | 5 | Dorenzo Hudson | 6-5 | Sr. | 12.3 |
| P | No. | Kansas State | Ht. | Yr. | PPG |
| F | 42 | Thomas Gipson | 6-7 | Fr. | 12.8 |
| F | 32 | Jamar Samuels | 6-7 | Sr. | 11.0 |
| F | 22 | Rodney McGruder | 6-4 | Jr. | 12.5 |
| G | 3 | Martavious Irving | 6-1 | Jr. | 8.0 |
| G | 55 | Will Spradling | 6-2 | So. | 15.0 |
| Kellis Robinett, krobinett@kcstar.com
