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No. 23 Virginia Tech looks for sixth win in seven games

Jan 23, 2007 - 5:05 PM No. 23 Virginia Tech (14-5) at Miami Fl (9-11) 9:00 pm EST

CORAL GABLES, Florida (Ticker) -- Virginia Tech suddenly finds itself in the upper echelon of the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.

Approaching the midway point of the conference schedule, the 23rd-ranked Hokies shoot for their sixth win in seven contests and move in to a first-place tie in the ACC when they visit Miami on Tuesday.

Off to its best 19-game start since opening the 1995-1996 campaign 17-2, Virginia Tech (14-5, 4-1 ACC) is tied with North Carolina for second place in the conference standings, one-half game behind Boston College.

The Hokies improved their ACC record with Sunday's 67-64 overtime triumph over Maryland. Zabian Dowdell scored 19 points, Jamon Gordon added 16 and Coleman Collins 11 with 14 rebounds.

The Huricanes (9-11, 2-4) have lost their last three contests by an average of 19.7 points.

Miami is coming off Saturday's 86-67 defeat to Florida State. Denis Clemente scored 15 points and Dwayne Collins, Anthony Harris and Brian Asbury had 12 apiece.

Virgina Tech has won two of the three encounters against Miami since joining the ACC. However, the Hurricanes have won seven of the 10 all-time meetings, including four of five at home.