Virginia Tech's Nightmare Continues: What Went Horribly Wrong in Iowa

VIRGINIA TECH (1-1)

This latest blow was dealt to Virginia Tech at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes, as the team suffered a painful 71-52 loss. Fans of the Hokies are no doubt left scratching their heads, trying to understand what went wrong in this matchup.

From a glance, the final score would suggest that this game was all but over by halftime. And for the most part, that is an accurate assessment. The Iowa Hawkeyes had a vice grip on the game from the opening tipoff, taking advantage of the Hokies' lackluster defense and poor shooting percentage.

Vietoria Tech's defense was put to the test in the early going, and it showed. Early mistakes and miscommunications allowed Iowa's best players to get hot and find open shots. Iowa's key scorer was unstoppable in the paint, despite the Hokies' inside defenders doing everything they could to challenge shots and disrupt the opponent's flow.

In the first half, Iowa was dominating possession, consistently finding open lanes and getting high-quality shots at the basket. Tech's lack of coordination on defense, combined with Iowa's tenacity and execution on offense, allowed the Hawkeyes to dominate and get out to a double-digit lead.

Heading into halftime, Virginia Tech coach gave his team an earful, knowing they had better shape up in the second half or they would be up to even more disappointment.

The Hokies responded, but the attempt to rally before the half put them further behind. For a stretch, every big miss for Tech meant Iowa putting down yet another uncontested layup or forcing Virginia Tech into poor fouls and turnovers.

For Virginia Tech, it boils down to not playing much better in their big season opener and a single convincing, dominating victory the next day. Virginia Tech has been unable to string together a pair of well-rounded games so far in the season. The lack of balance on the court not only makes them too easy to defend, but it leaves them vulnerable to defensive disappointment.

In looking to get back on track after their humilitating loss to Iowa in their last matchup, there is still optimism out there. Although we look at Virginia Tech when making predictions ahead we look forward.

Their difficult start to the season, however, means it is now more crucial for the Hokies to beat their opponents on paper in order to gain momentum that's needed in this last game before the playoffs. Losing any of their three games early this season will sink any confidence in a bounce back for them.