Virginia Tech vs. Duke: Analysis, Grades and Twitter Reaction

The Duke Blue Devils advanced to the semifinals of the 2012 ACC Tournament with a 60-56 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday night.

It was a sloppy game, but the Blue Devils did enough to win a hard-fought battle that was close until the end. After opening up a 10-point lead in the second half, Duke allowed Virginia Tech to get back into it, but held on late for the win.

Duke now has one more hurdle before a possible final matchup with rival North Carolina. The Blue Devils will play the winner of the Miami vs. Florida State quarterfinal, which also takes place Friday night.

Let's recap tonight's Blue Devils win over the Hokies.

Tweets of the Night

Edward Aschoff of ESPN.com gave an accurate description of Virginia Tech's performance tonight.

"

Every opportunity Va Tech has had it's blown. Sloppy basketball by the Hokies tonight and Duke doesn't look great either

— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) March 10, 2012"

Twitter user Kevin Kelly thinks the NC State Wolfpack might have a chance for an upset in this ACC Tournament.

"

To quote my friend @JRsBBQ, this VT/Duke game is bowling shoe ugly. Watch out for #Wolfpack for semis upset. Go #Noles!

"

"— Kevin Kelly (@realkevinkelly) March 10, 2012"

Grades for Key Duke Players

Austin Rivers: B

Rivers led Duke with 17 points and was clutch from the free-throw line, making 6-of-8 attempts. He also added five rebounds and two steals in a nice all-around performance.

The freshman guard was aggressive at both ends of the floor and played well throughout the game. Rivers shot just 5-of-14 from the field, but found ways to be effective on defense to make up for his offensive struggles.

Mason Plumlee: B+

Mason Plumlee was Duke's most effective player, as he led the team in rebounding with 11 boards while also adding 12 points.

Plumlee was a force in the paint at both ends of the floor and his energy was contagious. His three blocks and five offensive rebounds were key contributions in the Blue Devils' win.

Grades for Key Virginia Tech Players

Erick Green: B

Erick Green led the Hokies in scoring with 16 points, but only shot 3-of-16 from the floor. He did, however, convert on all nine of his free-throw attempts. He also added four rebounds. Green did not get much help from his teammates and was the only starter to reach double figures in points.

Robert Brown: B+

One of the few bright spots for Virginia Tech tonight was the play of guard Robert Green off the bench, who was one of two Hokies players to score double-digit points, with 16. Brown shot 6-of-9 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point land. 

Deciding Factor: Shooting Percentage

Virginia Tech shot 16-of-53 from the field, which is unacceptable against a talented and fundamentally strong team like Duke.

Unless you are going to play lights-out defense, there is no way you can beat the Blue Devils by shooting 30 percent from the field.

Game MVP: Mason Plumlee

Mason Plumlee was the only player in the game with a double-double, and his solid defense was crucial to the Blue Devils' success tonight.

Plumlee was 4-of-6 from the field and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line in a very efficient performance by the junior forward.

What's Next?

Duke will play the winner of Friday night's matchup between Miami (FL) and Florida State. If the Blue Devils defeat one of those teams in the semifinals, they will face North Carolina for the third time this season in the ACC Tournament championship.

Virginia Tech finishes the season 16-16 (4-12 in ACC) and will not make the NCAA tournament.

Follow @NicholasGoss35