Virginia Tech basketball: Hokies defeat Radford in season-opener

The Virginia Tech Hokies opened the 2020-21 basketball season on Tuesday afternoon defeating the Radford Highlanders 77-62 at Cassell Coliseum.

Keve Aluma, the 6-foot-9 transfer from Wofford, had a career-day for the Hokies, scoring 19 points to lead the team.

The game didn’t start off great for the Hokies, though, as the Highlanders led for much of the first half. However, with just over two minutes remaining in the first half, the Hokies scored to get the lead at 28-27. Virginia Tech would never trail again.

Aluma was fantastic on both ends of the floor and gives the Hokies something they lacked one year in head coach Mike Young’s first season. He showed the ability dominate inside and also displayed the ability to known down three-pointers, too. Aluma finished seven of 10 from the floor and connected three of five from beyond the arc.

Sophomore guard Hunter Cattoor continued to show his progression from a year ago. Cattoor scored 12 points and was four of six from three-point range.

Sophomore guard Nahiem Alleyne scored 14 points for the Hokies while Tyrece Radford chipped in with nine points and five assists. Wabisse Bede also scored nine points for the Hokies.

Freshman Joe Bamisile saw his first career action. While Bamisile struggled from the field, making just one field goal in nine attempts, he did lead the Hokies with seven rebounds in just 11 minutes played.

The Hokies return to the hardwood on Saturday in the Air Force Reserve Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament where they will meet the Temple Owls in Uncasville, Conn.