Virginia Tech blew out North Carolina A&T 90-60 on Tuesday night to improve to 3-1 on the season. The Aggies dropped to 0-6.
The Hokies used their usual formula to win the game. For the fourth time this season, they attempted more free throws than the other team attempted. Tech went 34-of-50 (68%) from the free throw line, while North Carolina A&T went 6-of-10 (60%). They also outrebounded the Aggies 41-33.
Tech shot exactly 50% (27-of-54) from the field, while North Carolina A&T was 24-of-66 (36.4%). The Hokies pressed and trapped the Aggies quite a bit, and their superior athleticism resulted in 20 turnovers. Tech scored 20 points off those turnovers.
Zach LeDay continued his great play, nothing his third double-double in four games. He finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. For the season, he is averaging 20 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He was 10-of-12 from the free throw line, and for the season he is 25-of-32 (78.1%) from the charity stripe. LeDay also has six blocks and only four turnovers in 128 minutes this season.
Freshman wing Chris Clarke added 14 points and eight rebounds, pushing his season average to 12.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Justin Bibbs and Kerry Blackshear added 12 points each for Tech, while Johnny Hamilton finished with six points, seven rebounds and three blocks in only 14 minutes of play.
The Hokies return to action on Friday when they take on #4 Iowa State in Destin, Florida as part of the Emerald Coast Classic. Tipoff is scheduled for 7pm, and the game will be televised by CBS Sports Network.
Print
I really like the way we pressured NCAT. We showed some tenacity that has been absent in recent years. Should we uncork such pressure in a bigger game, I think it could be successful, especially because we have more interchangeable parts that can glide effectively from point to point.
Having three guys who can drive and distribute from the point is a definite upgrade. As has been noted on the boards, Hamiliton really gets after the court. He’s attacking the court with a heart of vengeance. Blackshear also looks impressive for one so young. Even Henry seems much improved. Pierce is Pierce is JVZ is what-we’ve-had-at-the-5-for-a-few-years. Bibbs looks much more confident with his shot; beautiful stoke. LeDay is relentless. Donlon is a scoring machine 🙂
Only Hudson perplexes me. He seems unsure; off; withdrawn; unable to free his body from his mind, perhaps.
I like this team a lot. I especially like their hustle and their unity. Seeing the reaction from Donlon’s first basket was special. That kind of dedication and unity can carry a team through the perils of a season with its growing pains and disappointments.
The refrain should instead be “Tech MISSED more free throws than the other team attempted”…seems like it will be a common theme
At least against low major teams.
Step one, beat the teams you should beat. Despite the Alabama State game, I don’t foresee any more inexplicable losses. Now step two…
We got some talent and height this year. Go get ’em, Buzz!
Congratulations on another great win Hokies!!!