Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech men's basketball team moved to 9-2 for the first time since the 2022-23 season after beating Western Carolina 96-74 Thursday night, their sixth consecutive home victory on Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum.
Standout freshman Neoklis Avdalas caught fire, recording 30 points for the Hokies, his second 30-point outing of the season. Avdalas scored from all three levels, slashing inside, converting two and-one layups, hitting his turnaround post fade, and sinking four shots from deep. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end, rejecting two Catamount layups.
After Tech forced a turnover on the opening possession and recorded the game’s first points, they never gave up the lead, due to a balanced offensive attack to counter an aggressive Catamount defense.
Tech shot the ball at an incredibly efficient clip, hitting 53% from the field and 48% from downtown, and for the fourth time in the season, five Hokies scored double-digits: Amani Hansberry, Ben Hammond, Jaden Schutt, Tyler Johnson, and Avdalas.
Hansberry continued being a major all-around contributor for Virginia Tech, tallying 18 points, six boards, a block, a game-leading six assists, and a career-high four steals.
GAME NOTES
• The starters for Virginia Tech were Jailen Bedford, Neoklis Avdalas, Tyler Johnson, Amani Hansberry, and Antonio Dorn.
• Ben Hammond got his first career block on a layup and he corralled the rebound and scored on the fastbreak.
• Jaden Schutt has sunk a three-pointer in each of VT's 11 games this season.
• Hansberry hit multiple shots from deep for the first time since the season opener, including one to beat the buzzer at the end of the first half.
UP NEXT
The Hokies are back on Carilion Clinic Court on Sunday, December 14 to take on Maryland Eastern Shore. Tip-off is set for noon on ACC Network Extra.