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Mark Berman here in Blacksburg, where VIrginia Tech and UNC Greensboro are tied 26-26 at halftime.

Duke blew out UNCG last week, but the Hokies are hurting themselves by shooting just 32.4 percent from the field. Malcolm Delaney is 3 of 10 from the field, Dorenzo Hudson 1 of 4, Terrell Bell 2 of 6, Erick Green 0 of 3 and Ben Boggs 1 of 4.

The Hokies have six steals but have turned the ball over eight times. Bell has 4 turnovers. UNCG has 12 turnovers.

Jeff Allen has 8 points but has not scored since a dunk with 10:52 left that put Tech up 18-13. UNCG went on a 9-0 run to grab a 22-18 lead.

In my article in Wednesday's paper about new Tech assistant Bill Courtney, I had some quotes from his former boss, George Mason coach Jim Larranaga.

Here is more from Larranaga:

"He's like a younger brother to me," Larranaga said. "He's very close to me and my family. I hated to lose him (to Providence) when he left, but I knew he wanted to be a head coach at the Division I level someday. Now he's going to Virginia Tech, where he gets the chance to work for a good friend of mine, Seth.

"I have nothing but high praise for Bill. He's a tremendous individual, a terrific recruiter, a terrific basketball coach.

"He's like a chameleon when it comes to adjusting to recruiting environments. ... He has a great network of people. ... He was actively involved in recruiting every player (when he was at George Mason). He's very, very well-liked. He has such a passionate personality. He's always upbeat, very hard-working. He knows the state of Virginia very well."

Courtney joins James Johnson, who also worked under Larranaga, and Ryan Odom as assistant coaches for Greenberg.

"Seth has put together a true winning staff," Larranaga said.

Larranaga said Courtney has experience recruiting in the Richmond, Norfolk and Washington-Baltimore areas.

Virginia Tech is looking at playing in the Philly Hoop Group Classic next season.

Tech would play two games at home and two games at the Palestra. Temple has already committed to the eight-team tournament. UVa played in the inaugural tourney two years ago.

Tech will not return to the Holiday Festival at Madison Square Garden, athough the Hokies might play a single game at the Garden next season.

Tech also won't be back at the BB&T Classic at the Verizon Center because it conflicts with a home game with Georgia.

Coach Seth Greenberg is hoping to add a "made-for-TV" game to the schedule, which will also of course include the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.