Five Reasons to Attend: Men's Basketball vs. VanderbiltFive Reasons to Attend: Men's Basketball vs. Vanderbilt
Men's Basketball

Five Reasons to Attend: Men's Basketball vs. Vanderbilt

Hokies play host to SEC/ACC Challenge matchup

Opens in a new window Vanderbilt Tickets Opens in a new window Stay Connected Opens in a new window Pledge Per Basketball

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech men’s basketball will welcome Vanderbilt for an exciting matchup on Dec. 4 at 9:15 p.m. ET. The game, which brings the SEC/ACC Challenge to Blacksburg for the first time, pits the Commodores (7-1) against the Hokies (3-4) that most recently competed in the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament in Fort Myers, Fla. Featuring noteworthy promotions and exciting giveaways, the contest won’t be one to miss. Here are five reasons to attend men’s basketball against Vanderbilt this Wednesday.  

  1. Matchup Storylines – Wednesday’s contest will be the first time the teams have faced off in quite some time. While Tech holds a 5-2 series lead against Vanderbilt, the two squads last battled on Dec. 22, 1977, resulting in a 76-75 Hokies’ victory. Tech men’s basketball head coach Mike Young and company will try to extend their win streak to three against the Commodores when they visit Cassell for the late-night contest Wednesday.
  2. SEC/ACC Challenge – Men’s basketball teams from both the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference will square off with each other in the second-annual SEC/ACC Challenge. The Challenge, which features 16 games and was tied 7-7 last year, presents an opportunity for either conference to move the needle for postseason bids come March.
     MBB_1920X320_Lawal_Orange.png
  1. Wing Wednesday – The matchup between the Hokies and the Commodores will feature special promotions for those in attendance. Fans will have the opportunity to interact in wing-eating contests throughout Wednesday’s clash, while students can enjoy free chicken wings while supplies last. Additionally, in-venue host, Bailey Angle will host the evening, providing live contests and interactive experiences for fans of all ages. Be sure to arrive to the contest early to get your hands on free wings while available!
  2. Giveaways – Alongside Wing Wednesday, students in attendance can also secure their very own Cassell Guard T-shirt while supplies last. Students will also be able to enter raffle contests to win exclusive experiences for the men’s basketball game against Pitt. Be sure to stay on the lookout to see how you can win front-row seats and sideline viewing experiences at the men’s basketball game against 18th-ranked Pitt on Dec. 7.
  3. Players to Watch – Key members of the Tech starting five will look to display their skills against Vanderbilt on Wednesday. Tobi Lawal, in his first year at Virginia Tech after transferring from VCU, has been a force at the forward position. The 6-foot-8 London, England native is averaging 12.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 58.7% from the floor over seven starts. His work in the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament earned him all-tournament accolades, as Lawal was one of only three forwards to earn recognition amongst the four competing teams. On the opposite end of the sideline, Vanderbilt features a pair of former Hokies in Tyler Nickel (10.3 PPG) and MJ Collins Jr. (7.0 PPG).