This evening the Bearcats kicked off postseason play as they welcomed in ACC foe Virginia Tech in the opening round of the NIT, but for the Bearcats it was a foe they had some great knowledge on. Landers Nollye actually played for the Hokies back in 2019-2020 under coach Mike Young. Young, and Wes Miller also go way back from their coaching careers throughout the years.
However, lets break it down, this one was a rock fight to say the least after going blow for blow until the final minutes as the Bearcats would hold on and defeat the Hokies 81-72 behind a huge performance from David DeJulius who finished with 21 points, six rebounds, seven assists, while Landers Nolley finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
David DeJulius factor on the defensive end–
It was the second half play of David DeJulius that turned this one around at Fifth Third Arena, and it all started on the defensive end. DeJulius, was doing great job keeping sophomore guard Sean Pedulla off balance, making everything difficult as the Hokies guard was held to just 5-of-14 shooting on the night, scoring just 10 points before fouling out late in this one. “At halftime I wanted to turn it into a rock fight,” said Bearcat guard David DeJulius. “They were doing a great job, they were very comfortable while running their actions. I wanted our athleticism and conditioning to be a factor, and I think we did a great job of that in the second half.” We talked to Bearcats head coach Wes Miller about that remark following the Bearcats 81-71 victory over Virginia Tech. “David, told me walking out of halftime he wanted to turn this one into a rock fight. I told him well, we’re going to go win then. We are a team that goes as David goes,” said Miller.
