The Virginia Tech Hokies (6-0) routed the #3 Michigan State Spartans (3-2) in the opening quarterfinal round of the Maui Jim Maui Tournament. This marks the first ranked win under new head coach Mike Young for the Hokies. And what a way to get your first ranked win at a new program might I say.
The night seemed to flow through Landers Nolley and PJ Horne for most of the game. The duo of Nolley and Horne combined for 34 points, 7 assists, and 11 rebounds to take down the Spartans. Not to mention that court general, Wabissa Bede, had got the Hokies in prime spots to score on fast break opportunities and has elite passing. The performances from these top individuals on the Virginia Tech team led them to a historic night in Maui.
Superlatives were given to team leaders, but not enough was said about the team as a whole. There were never any down moments where the Hokie’s team looked bare without a player off the court. The team collectively shot for 44.2% from the floor and 47.6% from behind the arch. It is becoming very evident that this Virginia Tech team is making up in shooting where it lacks in size against opponents.
The Hokies will now take on the Dayton Flyers (4-0) tonight in the semifinal round of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. The winner of this will advance to play the winner of Kansas/BYU matchup tonight. Call it a fluke or pure skill, but it is time that this Virginia Tech Basketball squad starts to get some recognition.
Cover Image Credits: https://www.richmond.com/sports/college/virginia-tech-knocks-off-no-michigan-state—in/article_6ed5ac8a-eed9-5d7b-9a8b-e7cd6a5e91d6.html
