Despite Slow Start, Hokies Handle VMI 88-72

The Hokies started a little slow, but they quickly banished any thought of an upset against the in-state VMI Keydets.

Tech went down by five right off the bat, and struggled to find some footing, but after taking a 10-point lead at the half, Buzz Williams' bunch didn't have much trouble putting away VMI. The team had a few rocky stretches, but the 88-72 final score never seemed much in doubt.

Zach LeDay notched yet another double-double, with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Seth Allen continued to play effectively coming off the bench — he finished second on the team in scoring with 15 points, and added five assists. Justin Bibbs and Chris Clarke both poured in 13 points, yet the Hokies paled in comparison to VMI's QJ Peterson's 29 points.

The first half certainly wasn't smooth sailing for the Hokies. VMI raced out to a 11-5 lead with 17 minutes left in the half, but the Hokies steadily clawed back into the game.

A pair of layups by Zach LeDay helped key Tech to a 13 all tie, and the Hokies started to find their footing. VMI went back up by five at 21-16, yet paint points by Seth Allen and Ahmed Hill eventually drew Tech within 23-20.

Another layup from Allen and a dunk from Khaim Sy put the Hokies ahead 24-23, and they quickly took control of the half. With four minutes left (at the first media timeout), Tech seized a 33-28 lead.

The Hokies proceeded to outscore the Keydets 11-6 ahead of the second half, staking them to a 44-34 lead heading into the locker room.

Justin Bibbs came out hot, hitting back-to-back three pointers, and Justin Robinson followed suit with a three of his own to give Tech an early 53-39 lead. Chris Clarke added a free throw, and after another three by Bibbs, Tech held a 57-44 lead by the first media timeout.

After a handful of misses, LeDay ultimately muscled away an offensive rebound, then managed an and-one. Bibbs added a dunk, and the Hokies' lead swelled to 62-44.

VMI called a much-needed time out, and QJ Peterson poured in five quick points, but LeDay matched him with five of his own. Allen put up another layup, giving Tech a 69-49 lead headed into the next media timeout.

The Keydets then went off for a 10-2 run to make it 71-59, but the Hokies never lost control. Allen scored six points down the stretch, matched by four from LeDay, and Tech cruised to the 88-72 final score.

The Hokies play again on Thanksgiving against New Mexico at 4:30 p.m.