Hokies roll past VMI

It was a sloppy finish, but Virginia Tech held on to defeat VMI 105-92 in Cassell Coliseum on Monday night.  The Hokies are now 3-1 on the season, while VMI dropped to 3-2.

The Hokies led by as many as 20 points twice in the second half, but the Keydets were able to whittle away at the lead and cut the margin to as little as six points in the final minutes.  However, the Hokies scored the final seven points of the game to pull away to a 13-point victory.

Tech shot 52.2% from the field, and they were also terrific from the outside and the free throw line.

Overall: 36-of-69 (52.2%)
3-Point: 11-of-17 (64.7%)
Free Throw: 22-of-26 (84.6%)

Five Hokies scored in double figures.

Sr. F Jarell Eddie: 21 pts, 7 rebounds, 5-of-5 from three-point range
Fr. G Ben Emelogu: 19 pts, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4-of-7 from three-point range
Sr. F C.J. Barksdale: 16 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Fr. G Devin Wilson: 13 pts, 5 rebounds, 4 assissts
So. G Adam Smith: 11 pts, 3 assists

Freshman forward Trevor  Thompson came off the bench to finish with four point, six rebounds and five blocks in just 15 minutes.  Marshall Wood also added seven points and eight rebounds in 14 minutes.

Tech completely dominated the smaller Keydets on the boards, pulling down 52 rebounds to VMI's 31.  However, it was turnovers that helped keep the visitors in the game.  Tech turned it over 16 times, while VMI had just four turnovers.  The Hokies were outscored 21-3 in points off turnovers.

Virginia Tech has a huge challenge on Friday night when they take on #1 Michigan State in Brooklyn.  Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30pm, and the game will be televised by TruTV.