VT vs. NC A&T

The Hokies closed out their four game season opening stretch with a dominating win over the struggling North Carolina A&T Aggies, 90-60. The Aggies jumped out to an early lead with two free throws from Bruce Beckford. NC A&T held onto that lead through the first seven minutes of the game, before the Hokies took over and never looked back. Trailing 10-9 Virginia Tech outscored the Aggies 37-22 during the remainder of the first half. By the break VT was leading 46-32. Virginia Tech continued to dominate after halftime. North Carolina A&T never got closer than 13 points as VT outscored the Aggies 28-44 to close the game out.

While Virginia Tech earned a lopsided win there are some statistics that the Hokies will look to improve on during the rest of the season. The Aggies committed 34 fouls, but Virginia Tech was only 68% (34-50) on free throws. Although not stellar the problems with free throws were nothing compared to the issues Virginia Tech had with three-point shots. The Hokies were an abysmal 15.4% (2-13) on three pointers. Hokie guard, Justin Bibbs, was the only player on the VT squad to hit a three point shot during the entire game. With such a large points deficit the victory was not all doom and gloom. The Hokies recovered 41 rebounds and took the ball from the Aggies 20 times. That being said, the Hokies will need to improve, especially in the three point area, if they wish to be competitive against their next opponent, Iowa State.

Hokie forward, Zach Delay, absolutely dominated the game. He scored 26 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and was 10-12 on free throws. He earned yet another double-double - his third of the year. Virginia Tech was able to hold NC A&T’s best player, Bruce Beckford, to only 14 points. In addition to Delay, three other Hokies scored 12 or more points. Chris Clarke contributed 14 points and eight rebounds while Justin Bibbs and Kerry Blackshear Jr. both provided 12 points apiece and five rebounds between the two.

With the win Virginia Tech improves to 3-1 on the season. The Hokies next travel to Destin, Florida to face the undefeated No. 4 Iowa State Cyclones during the Emerald Coast Classic.