Virginia Tech Beats Morehead State 96-63

Editor

November 25, 2017, 03:00 AM

After Virginia Tech beat Virginia last night at Scott Stadium, many Hokie fans likely woke up tired today from last night's shutout. However, that was not the case for a Virginia Tech basketball team that came out ready to play. Virginia Tech comfortably beat Morehead State 96-63 with a dominant performance on both ends of the floor especially in the first half. Unlike against Houston Baptist where VT came out a little sleepy against the Huskies, VT came out ready to win like they were supposed to. The Hokies improved to 5-1 with the win as big games against Iowa and at Ole Miss loom next week, giving VT a pair of chances to pick up quality non-conference wins. Virginia Tech had another excellent offensive display shooting a very good 57.4% from the field while having a solid day from beyond the arc shooting 43.5% from three. The Hokies also were effective at spreading the ball around with four players in double figures and 20 assists. Virginia Tech also took advantage of their free-throw opportunities going 22-for-25 from the charity stripe. Offensive rebounding was an issue once again as Morehead State had 11 offensive rebounds compared to 3 for the Hokies. Virginia Tech's defense had a solid game overall especially in the first half as they held Morehead State to 35.7% shooting in the first 20 minutes. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the way for the Hokies as he was quite efficient on his way to having 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals while shooting 7-for-9 from the field including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. This was a great bounce-back game for NAW after scoring 6 points on 2-of-6 shooting against Houston Baptist Tuesday night. Justin Bibbs continues to have a strong start to the season as he had 15 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds on 5-of-11 shooting including 3-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Bibbs is continuing to play quite well and will once again be one of the best three-point shooters in the ACC this season. What may be most impressive for Bibbs is the fact that this is the first time that he has shot below 65% from the field in four games this season. Kerry Blackshear came just short of a double-double today with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks in what was one of his better performances of the season. Ahmed Hill had a solid day with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting while Justin Robinson had 8 points and 2 assists. Chris Clarke stuffed the stat sheet with 6 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 turnovers while PJ Horne had 9 points and 2 rebounds. Wabissa Bede had only 3 points and 2 assists in what was a quiet game for him after a career-high 13 points against Houston Baptist. Devin Wilson had 6 points and 2 assists while Tyrie Jackson 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. Justin Ammerman had his first 2 career points off of 2 free throws while Nick Fullard played during the final 90 seconds. The Hokies are doing what they're supposed to, blowing out teams who they really have no business playing. However, the Hokies face an important pair of games now against Iowa and Ole Miss where they need wins in both. If they can, it'll improve their weak non-conference resume and definitely benefit them in March whether that be for seeding purposes or simply earning a bid to the Big Dance.