How Storm Murphy's Late Heroics led to Maddox's buzzer beater
By Wyatt Krueger
Staff Writer
March 9, 2022
In his first ACC Tournament game, starting point guard Storm Murphy made five of his first six 3-point attempts, including a clutch triple late to give Virginia Tech a two-point lead late in regulation. (ACC)
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Trailing by one with 35 seconds remaining in regulation, Virginia Tech needed a bucket to save its NCAA Tournament hopes.
Point guard Storm Murphy – who was 4-for-5 from three at this point – came off a Keve Aluma screen to the top of the key and buried a clutch triple to put the Hokies up by two.
“Keve did a really good job twisting the ball screen,” Murphy said of his clutch shot late in the second half. “We've worked on that all week, and I came wide open. I think they were expecting the skinny on the side. [I] just rose up and thankfully it fell.”
Clemson’s PJ Hall sent the game into overtime with a hook shot on the next possession to force overtime, which was capped off by Maddox's cold-blooded buzzer beater for the win.
The Wofford transfer showed up big in his first ACC Tournament game, making four straight 3-pointers in the first half to help give the Hokies an 11-point lead heading to the locker room.
“My first two looks were pretty open, so once those went down, the rim just felt kind of big,” Murphy said. “The next two were off the dribble in the first half, and then [in] the second half [I] really didn't try to force it and shoot anything. I don't think I took another shot until maybe five minutes left.”
Indeed, as Clemson stormed back in the second half, Murphy didn’t force his shots. Like head coach Mike Young said of Maddox, Murphy picked his spots well and came through in a huge moment. His go-ahead 3-pointer was his only make on three attempts in the second half.
After playing in the Southern Conference Tournament for the Terriers over the past four years, the Hokies’ point guard was prepared for the big stage.
“I've really learned through my four years in the SoCon and what that tournament is like, how big these games are,” Murphy said. “... I've appreciated it and [am] just happy to get out of here with a win.
“I definitely started feeling those emotions, and whatever that sensation is [with] the conference tournament, what each possession and each game means.”
Murphy had one of his best games of the season and admitted that the team turned on another gear heading into the matchup with Clemson with the raised stakes customary to March.
“I appreciate what [the ACC Tournament] brings: the competitiveness and urgency,” Murphy said. “We were really desperate tonight. We talked about that as a team.”
Although Maddox will get a majority of the shine for the incredible game-winner, it can’t be overstated how much Murphy came through for the Hokies’ slim tournament chances.