ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996 TAG: 9602260097
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: TECH NOTES
DATELINE: PHILADELPHIA
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
They're penciled in on virtually everyone's NCAA Tournament list. This week, USA Today projected them as a No.4 seed in the Southeast Region.
They're 20-3. They're ranked No.12 in the nation.
Nevertheless, the Virginia Tech Hokies aren't convinced they have a lock on their first NCAA bid since 1986.
For good reason, too.
``After what's happened to us in the past, I don't think we can take anything for granted,'' said coach Bill Foster, whose Tech team finished 18-10 two seasons ago and was 19-10 last season heading into the NIT.
``We thought we had a chance two years ago, then last year we thought we were in pretty good shape after a good year, but we never got the call.
``I've said before the NCAA has looked at Virginia Tech like it's the bastard stepchild at a family reunion.
``But this time, yeah, I'd like to think we're in pretty good shape. But you never know for sure. The best thing we can do is just keep winning and then everything will take care of itself.''
With that mindset, the Hokies take on a Temple team today that also is thinking about an NCAA bid. Tip-off is 1:30 p.m. at McGonigle Hall.
As far as NCAA berths go, today's game is much bigger for Temple (15-11 overall, 10-4 Atlantic 10). The Owls could greatly enhance their hopes for a seventh consecutive NCAA trip with a victory.
Tech, meanwhile, needs a victory to go a neck up on George Washington in the A-10's West Division. By virtue of its upset of No.1-ranked Massachusetts on Saturday, GW moved back into a tie with Tech at 11-2 in the league.
The plum for the team winning the West is that it will be in the bracket opposite UMass in the A-10 tournament March 6-9 at the Philadelphia Civic Center.
NOT FOR THE MEEK: Foster said today's matchup promises to be a war.
``We're going to have to eat our Wheaties, spinach, Popeye and the whole deal to play with those guys on the boards,'' Foster said.
``Temple is a strong, physical bunch. And you know [coach John] Chaney's going to keep the game in the 50s somewhere scoring-wise. I'd say it's a good bet to be ugly.''
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS: What else can you call Tech's Ace Custis?
With three offensive rebounds in Tech's 61-56 victory at La Salle on Thursday, the Hokies' one-man rebounding machine has 100 for the season. Last season, the 6-7 junior became the first Hokie to post 100 offensive boards since Tech began keeping such statistic in 1978-79.
Incredibly, Custis' 100 offensive boards are more than any other Tech player has total - offensive and defensive - this season. Tech's No.2 rebounder, Shawn Smith, has 96 total rebounds.
With seven rebounds today, Custis would surpass Wayne Robinson and Dale Solomon and move into fourth place on Tech's all-time list.
``I'm selfish when it comes to my rebounds,'' Custis said. ``I don't care who scores the points. But I do want my rebounds. I want every one of them.''
TECH TIDBITS: Today's game, which will be televised by ABC (WSET, Channel 13), is Tech's first appearance on a major network since the 1984 Metro Conference championship game against Memphis State. ... Tech has won four in a row and 14 of its past 16 games away from home dating to last season. The Hokies have won 25 of their past 28 overall. ... Tech closes the regular season this week against Xavier (home) on Thursday and at Dayton on Saturday.
LENGTH: Medium: 66 linesby CNB