Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 28, 1995 TAG: 9502280095
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``People tried pressing us early trying to wear us out because we don't have numbers [of players],'' Foster said. ``Now, I think the game report says `beat the hell out of 'em ... let's get 'em down that way.'
``You've got the choice of lining up and playing us normal, press us or beat us up. And right now it seems beat us up is what everybody is trying to do.''
In no game was that more apparent than in Thursday's contest at Virginia Commonwealth. The Rams' stable of wide bodies battered the lighter Hokies into submission.
``They were pushing and shoving us a lot underneath,'' said Ace Custis, Tech's 6-foot-7, 200-pound forward. ``Strength did play a factor down low. They're throwing a lot of weight on me and that's a disadvantage.''
Since the Hokies have possibly the country's shortest bench - they play only seven players in most games - the pounding takes a toll on guys going 35 to 38 minutes a game.
``Still, we just didn't respond against VCU,'' said Tech guard Shawn Good. ``We wanted to, but I think we expected the officials to help us out. Well, you're not going to get those calls on the road, and you might not get them at home.''
Foster, who was furious at the officials after the game, didn't care to continue discussion of the VCU mugging Monday.
``That's history,'' he said. ``We're just glad to get out of there alive.''
SONNY'S SIDE: VCU coach Sonny Smith said Monday he hopes Thursday's war didn't do irreparable damage to his relationship with Foster, a longtime friend.
When the game was over, Foster briefly shook Smith's hand with no apparent conversation and strode quickly to the locker room.
``I talked to him after the game and I said, `We've been friends for too many years to let something like this become a factor,' and I think he agreed,'' Smith said.
``I don't know if he still agrees or not. I told him to look at the film, I'd look at the film, and if I thought my kid grabbed his around the waist and threw him down and that type of thing, I'd call him and tell him.''
Perhaps trying to get back on Foster's good side, Smith said the Hokies' boss would be he selection for Metro Conference Coach of the Year.
``I think Bill Foster has done a wonderful job for one reason - he's played with less numbers than anybody and he's still being competitive every night out,'' Smith said.
FOR THE KIDS ONLY: Foster said that his only worry when it comes to Tech making the NCAA Tournament field is the players.
``I worry about it for them, not for me,'' he said. ``I've had so many disappointments since I've been in coaching. I've been through all that stuff.
``Don't get me wrong, I'd like to go, but I want it a lot more for these kids. It's not going to change my life if we get in or don't get in. But it would be a great shot in the arm for this program and these kids.''
TECH TIDBITS: Custis won the Metro's player of the week award for the second time time this season Monday. Custis had 14 points and nine rebounds against VCU and 18 points and a career-high five steals against South Florida. It was the fifth time this season a Tech player has won the award. ... Despite splitting games last week with the Metro's two lowest-rated teams - VCU (94th in the Ratings Percentage Index rankings) and South Florida (89th) - Tech slipped only three spots to No.32 on this week's RPI list. Only UNC Charlotte, which already has clinched at least a share of the league's regular-season title, is rated higher among Metro teams. The 49ers are No.27. ... Is there a computer hacker somewhere playing with the RPI conference numbers? Despite losses last week by UNCC at East Carolina (162nd) and Southern Miss at home to Auburn (109th), the Metro remains the country's third-rated league behind the Big East and ACC. The Metro is rated seventh in the nation in strength of schedule. ... UNC Charlotte, which closes at Tech on Saturday, will have the first-round bye in the tournament. Southern Miss (6-4) can tie the 49ers (8-3 Metro) for the regular-season title, but UNCC wins the tie-breaker because it beat the Golden Eagles twice. Depending on Saturday's game, Tech can finish anywhere from third through sixth in the league.
by CNB