Bethune-Cookman Loses to Virginia Tech 79-54 in NIT

Written by (AP) Thursday, 17 March 2011 02:11

Jeff Allen scored 19 points to help Virginia Tech overcome the sting of not making the NCAA tournament with a 79-54 win over Bethune-Cookman on Wednesday night in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.

Virginia Tech (22-11), making its 12th appearance in the NIT and fifth in eight seasons under head coach Seth Greenberg, will meet Wichita State in the second round on Sunday after the Shockers beat Nebraska 76-49.

Tech connected on 10 of its first 11 shots and took a 23-9 lead after Allen's basket with 13:01 left in the half. The Hokies led by as many as 23 in the first half and shot 61.3 percent (19 of 31).

Bethune-Cookman (21-13), the regular-season champion in the MEAC, was making its first appearance in postseason play since 1980 as a Division II program.

Malcolm Delaney scored 13 points for the Hokies, while Manny Atkins added 12.

Garrius Holloman led the Wildcats with 20 points.