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Hokies Basketball: Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Virginia Tech Preview and Prediction

After suffering a 2-point, overtime loss to Northwestern on Tuesday in the ACC-Big 10 Challenge, the Virginia Tech Hokies return to action against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. The Golden Lions are 2-6 on the season, but the Hokies must not overlook another team as they did earlier in the season. However, this should be a game that the Hokies comfortably win, and I would expect that Buzz Williams will have his team ready to go to get a big win today ahead of an intriguing road game at Radford on Wednesday. Seth Allen had his best game of the season against Northwestern as the junior guard had 25 points and made 4 of 8 three-pointers against the Wildcats. When Allen brings his full effort to the floor, the former Maryland player can become the best player on the floor in many games. Today, the Hokies will want to see Allen continue plying with tons of energy while also shooting the ball more effectively as he did against the Wildcats. If so, the Hokies should comfortably beat the Golden Lions of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Justin Bibbs has been the Hokies' best shooter on the outside shooting 60% from beyond the arc so far this season. Bibbs has been starting to get more shots, and the Hokies have been reaping the benefits after Bibbs had 17 points against Northwestern. Bibbs has been a very good shooter all season, and his performance against Northwestern was just the latest. Bibbs is starting to become more assertive in the Virginia Tech offense, which should only be a good thing in the coming weeks. Zach LeDay was a non-factor against Northwestern, but the junior forward will be ready for this game against the Golden Lions. Don't be surprised if LeDay has a bounce-back game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff with a double-double. Kerry Blackshear and Satchel Pierce likely will see their minutes increase today with Johnny Hamilton now suspended. Hamilton did barely play against Northwestern while Pierce and Blackshear both logged some significant minutes, which should continue. Virginia Tech will be ready to come out today, and the Golden Lions will not be too much of a challenge. However, this game will be a little closer than many would like, but still will be a comfortable victory led by Seth Allen, Justin Bibbs, and Zach LeDay.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 81, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 65

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