Blacksburg faces tough foe in top-ranked Tigers

TRAVIS MILLER Blacksburg coach Travis Miller knows his team will be the underdog at top-ranked Southside today.

"Southside is the No. 1 team in the state," Miller said. "They are very good and deserving of the No. 1 ranking."

The Tigers beat the host Wildcats by 20 in the teams' first matchup. Bobbie Dreher had 25 points as the Tigers overcame a cold-shooting first-quarter to beat Blacksburg, 70-50.

The Wildcats jumped to a 9-0 lead on a couple of hoops by Josh Butler and a jumper by Dustin Deese.

But the Tigers, who were held scoreless for the game's first four minutes, answered with a 13-0 spurt to take the lead for good.

"We cut the lead to six in the third quarter, but then they went on a big run," the Blacksburg coach said.

This time, the Wildcats must do a better job on the boards and play at a slower tempo, according to Miller.

"We have to be deliberate offensively," he said. "We have to slow down the offense and take care of the ball."

The Wildcats are tied with Carolina for the fourth and final playoff spot. Carolina would secure the last playoff spot with a win today over Woodruff and a loss by the Wildcats to Southside.

If Woodruff beats Carolina and the Wildcats lose at Southside, Blacksburg could qualify for the playoffs by beating Chesnee at home next Tuesday.