Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 17, 1994 TAG: 9411170104
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS AND STAFF REPORTS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``We're probably better off struggling and not playing real well, and getting their attention for the next four or five days,'' Foster said.
Junior forward Shawn Smith scored 29 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field and had 11 rebounds as Tech won its second and last exhibition.
(Box score in Scoreboard. B4.)
The Hokies, 18-10 last year, open the 1994-95 season Nov. 25 against Montana State in the San Juan Shootout in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Tech plays three games in three days on the island before playing their home opener, 1 p.m. Dec. 3 against William and Mary.
The Hokies again played without freshman Shawn Browne, who has not been cleared to play by the NCAA's eligibility clearinghouse. If he's cleared, the 6-foot-5 Browne is expected to see playing time.
Likely '94-95 redshirt Jim Jackson (back injury) sat, as did 6-foot-8 Keefe Matthews (knee). Foster said Tech had to ``back off a little bit'' in practice because of the body shortage.
That contributed to Tech's sluggishness. Still, junior center Travis Jackson had 14 points and 11 rebounds (he's had double-doubles in both preseason games), and sophomore forward Ace Custis had 20 points and eight rebounds.
The Hokies took the lead for good, 10-8 with 14:14 left in the first half, on Smith's dunk off a swift fast-break pass from Custis. Tech led by 12 at halftime before outscoring Finland 33-21 in the first 12 minutes of the second half. Custis had 10 points in the run.
by CNB