out strong, ran up an early lead and then????? Faded?? Hit a wall?? Fatigue?? In any event, gave up a double-digit first half lead and then scrapped and scrapped on D to get back into it in the second half, but came up short? After building a nice win streak?

I'm mystified. I didn't catch the whole game, but I understand Williams went away from his regular rotation, playing younger, less polished players. It sounds like Williams was looking for energy and effort.

So what's the board's take? The players are drained? They're dispirited? (I don't believe that for a second.)

I hope the players understand that they're very close to going to the NCAAs, that home losses against peers can be dispositive, and that they only get so many seasons competing to get where they want to go. Tick tock.

I don't imagine I'll be as disappointed as you Hokies if your team doesn't make the NCAAs. but I'll be plenty disappointed. Particularly for the kids who have worked so hard to get there.

Good luck. I hope whatever led to that (apparent) lapse goes away quickly.