Five Reasons to Attend: Virginia Tech vs. NC StateFive Reasons to Attend: Virginia Tech vs. NC State
Men's Basketball

Five Reasons to Attend: Virginia Tech vs. NC State

Hokies welcome Wolfpack to Blacksburg for weekday clash

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BLACKSBURG – After splitting a pair of West Coast contests, Virginia Tech men’s basketball will play its second home game of the new year against NC State on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. ET. The Hokies (7-9, 2-3 ACC), who most recently picked up a 71-68 road win against California, will look to improve their home record to 7-3 with a win against the Wolfpack (9-7, 2-3 ACC). Here are five reasons why Hokie fans won’t want to miss this exciting men’s basketball weekday matchup.

  1. Matchup History – When the Hokies welcome NC State to Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum on Wednesday, the game will mark the 64th time the two teams have gone head-to-head. In the most recent meeting, Tech’s 51 second-half points propelled the team to an 84-78 victory on the road that saw four of five starters score in double digits. Following impressive showings by Jaydon Young (career-high 14 points), Brandon Rechsteiner (12 points) and Tyler Johnson’s first career double-double (11 points, 12 rebounds), the Hokies are eager to be back at home against a Wolfpack team that has allowed 69.8 points per game to conference opponents this season.
  2. White Effect – Wednesday’s matchup against the Wolfpack will mark Tech’s first men’s basketball effect game of the season – the White Effect. Be sure to wear white to the contest to show your support for the Hokies!
  3. Giveaway – If you forget to wear your white to Wednesday’s conference matchup, don’t fret. Be sure to arrive early to get your hands on a free white Hokies Basketball T-shirt while supplies last. T-shirts can be secured at the Promotions Booth just inside the entrance to Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum. You won’t want to miss the chance to snag some eye-catching Tech merchandise!

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  1. Halftime Performance – Fans should be sure to stay in their seats during Wednesday’s contest. The Virginia Tech Spirit Squads will be bringing the energy at Carilion Clinic Court as Cassell Coliseum when they perform the routine for their nationals competition on Jan. 17 – 19, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Those in attendance will have the chance to witness high-flying entertainment from the Cheer team at the break and a Virginia Tech HighTechs dance routine during a media timeout on Wednesday.
  2. Players to Watch – Key men’s basketball student-athletes have given head coach Mike Young and the Hokies lots to be proud of through 16 games. Many eyes can be directed toward VCU transfer and first-year Hokie Tobi Lawal who, through 16 games, leads the team in points (192) and rebounds (94). The London, England native’s 6-foot-8 frame has been crucial on the glass, as Lawal has led the team in rebounds in seven of 16 contests. Fans can also appreciate graduate student Mylyjael Poteat, who dropped in a career-high 25 points against Miami on Jan. 4. After a summer dedicated to conditioning and versatility, the Reidsville, North Carolina native is averaging 11 points and 4 rebounds on 53.0% shooting from the field. In the 86-85 win against Miami, Poteat’s and-1 basket with 2.7 seconds left in the second half was the difference maker as the Hokies captured their first ACC win of the season. Freshman standout Ben Hammond provided the game-winning assist to Poteat, as the Paul VI High School graduate leads the team in steals (16) and is second in assists (31).