Virginia Tech center Cadarian Raines elevates to block a shot by mvsu during the Hokies’ 70-49 win at the Cassell. Photo by Rachel Franks.

Here is the updated plus/minus numbers for the year, including for the last two games — the loss at wvu and the win over mvsu.

After the wvu game we put a lot of blame on the VT post players, but if you look at the data above, you can see it was Marquis Rankin that truly hurt the Hokies.  The -14 he posted makes it look like the mountaineers had a power play when he was in (he played 25 minutes).  7 of wvu’s 10 3-pointers came with Rankin in the game, and Rankin is supposed to be Tech’s best defensive guard.  To be blunt, Marquis has not taken a step forward in his sophomore season.  Is it because he missed time due to the two deaths in his family at the beginning of the season?  Is it because that is still weighing on his mind and he has a heavy heart like Coleman Collins did the season his dad passed away?  I’m not sure, I just hope it is nothing and Marquis gets it figured out.  He did look better on Monday with 10 points on 3/4 on FGs and 3/3 from the line, albeit against inferior competition.

The data also shows you how important Eddie is to this team.  With him playing just 20 minutes against wvu, the Hokies struggled with him out on the glass.  Eddie has proven to be one of Tech’s best rebounders, and when he went out there were issues.

In terms of positives, look at the numbers van Zegeren put up in the last two games!  He really seems to be blossoming, and even his butterfingery hands are improving.  Beyer also had a nice effort in some meaningful minutes Monday filling in for the foul prone Raines.