Green gets minutes in test vs. PSU

Earlier in the season, Virginia Tech Coach Seth Greenberg lamented not playing freshman guard Erick Green more often. After games, he told himself he needed to have confidence that Green would be able to perform and said he wanted to see him on the floor.

In the Hokies' 66-64 win over Penn State on Saturday, Green saw his most action of the season. He played 20 minutes and had six points and two rebounds. But those numbers did not tell the story of Green's night in Happy Valley.

He was charged with guarding Penn State star Talor Battle, who scored 32 points. While it was not an easy night, Green and Virginia Tech managed to limit Battle to 13 points 5-for-14 shooting in the second half after making halftime adjustments to the Nittany Lions' ball screens.

"I just tried to use my length and keep him in front of me," Green said. "I feel like I was as quick as him. Maybe he's a little quicker. I feel like i could stay with him."

Battle is a dangerous scorer. At 6 feet, he is an undersize guard, but he makes up for it with speed and tenacity. He zipped around the court all night as Green and Dorenzo Hudson gave chase. For Green, it was a particularly difficult challenge because it was significant action against a tough nonconference opponent.

"I guard Malcolm ever day," Green said of manning up against Hokies star Malcolm Delaney. "That helped me a lot."