Virginia Tech's season was revived Sunday night with a double-overtime home win against highly ranked Virginia. With that victory, the team was allowed to dream big about making a return to the NCAA Tournament.
The program hasn't danced since 2007.
But less than 24 hours removed from a win that could've put Virginia Tech on the path to the tourney, the Hokies announced season-ending injury news regarding their second-best best all-around player, Chris Clarke. The Hokies sophomore tore his left ACL, and he'll soon undergo surgery.
"Our hearts hurt for Chris," Buzz Williams said via prepared statement. "He has worked really hard to become an outstanding player and an incredibly important teammate to what we are trying to build. I am confident that he will turn this situation into good and return next year an even better player, better student and better person."
Clarke went down in the second half on Sunday. He finishes with season averages of 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds. He's also shooting 62 percent from 2-point range this season, and led the team in steals.
Williams' team is 17-7 with a 6-6 mark in the brutal ACC. The Hokies also have a very good win over Duke, but played a relatively week nonconference schedule, which nonetheless did include a valuable road win at Michigan. The Hokies' next game is Tuesday at Pitt, followed by a road game on Saturday against No. 8 Louisville.
