Allen’s big late 3 and late defense lift Virginia Tech past Virginia 61-55

Allen lifts Virginia Tech past Virginia 61-55

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Jeff Allen broke a tie on a 3-pointer with 1:14 to play and made a key defensive play seconds later, helping Virginia Tech beat Virginia 61-55 Saturday night.

Allen scored six straight points for the Hokies (20-4, 7-3 Atlantic Coast Conference), erasing a 51-48 deficit with a three-point play off a drive with 1:51 to play, then hitting a 3-pointer — just his fourth of the season — from the right side to give them the lead.

On the ensuing possession for Virginia (14-8, 5-4), Allen came away with the ball when Virginia guard Sammy Zeglinski lost the handle. Virginia Tech’s J.T. Thompson was fouled, made both free throws with 45.5 seconds left and the Hokies earned their fourth win in a row.