Jeff Allen is 'fine' after shoulder injury

Virginia Tech is already coping with the stress-related foot injury that has limited its second-leading scorer, Dorenzo Hudson, so the last thing the Hokies can afford is another injury to a key contributor. That's what made it troubling to see Jeff Allen in pain during Saturday's 88-82 win over Georgia Tech.

Allen suffered what is being termed as a strained in his left shoulder in the Hokies' win over the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta. But trainer Chad Hyatt said this week that Allen has been okay since sustaining the injury that sent him temporarily to the bench on Saturday.

"Jeff is fine," Hyatt said in a text message.

Members of Virginia Tech's medical staff worked on Allen's shoulder in the locker room immediately after the meeting with the Yellow Jackets. But Allen spoke with reporters afterward and said he wouldn't be bothered by the injury.

Allen suffered the injury when he tangled with Georgia Tech's Brian Oliver while going after a rebound. Oliver hooked Allen's arm as the two fought for possession; Allen said Oliver "tried throw me to the ground, but I wasn’t falling." Allen contorted uncomfortably on the play and appeared in pain after heading to the bench.

Sitting in the locker room after the Hokies' big win, Allen said of his shoulder, "It’s not hurting too much right now.”

The Hokies (23-7) are seeded fourth in this week's ACC tournament and take on the winner of Thursday afternoon's Wake Forest-Miami matchup.