Virginia Tech basketball: Hokies fall to N.C. State 82-73

The Virginia Tech Hokies had the opportunity to add an impressive win on their resume Saturday, facing the red-hot N.C. State Wolfpack in Raleigh. Unfortunately, a slow start would prove too much to overcome for Tech, as State won 82-73.

The Hokies were terrible in the first half, shooting just under 27% from the field, making only four baskets inside the 3-point line. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack shot 48% from the field in the first 20 minutes. N.C. State jumped out in front of Virginia Tech 20-7 eight minutes into the game.

The Hokies fought back, scoring nine points in a row to make it a 20-16 game. A few moments later, Jailen Bedford knocked down a 3-pointer, and all of a sudden, it was a 24-21 game. Then, it what would become the game’s theme, the Wolfpack responded with a big run, outscoring VT 12-1 to go into halftime with a 36-24 lead.

For the first several minutes of the second half, the Wolfpack would maintain anywhere from an 8-point lead to a 12-point lead. But the Hokies appeared to respond again. After going down 54-43, Virginia Tech would respond with eight quick points, including a pair of Jaden Schutt threes to make it 54-51.

That’s where the fun ended.

N.C. State immediately pulled back ahead 64-52 and built a lead as big as 14 points, comfortably putting the Hokies away over the final 10 minutes.

The loss is Virginia Tech’s third in its last four games, dropping them to 16-8 on the season and 5-6 in ACC play. Things do not get easier either, as a road game at No. 20 Clemson (10-1 in ACC play) on Wednesday. With seven games remaining, the Hokies need a strong finish to make the NCAA Tournament. Their lack of consistency is concerning. Freshman guard Neoklis Avdalas was better on Saturday, making 5 of 6 from the field and scoring 14 points. Avdalas didn’t appear to force shots as he has done in recent weeks.

Amani Hansberry led the Hokies with 19 points, but was 7 of 19 from the field. He also had seven rebounds. Tobi Lawal had another big game, finishing with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Schutt scored 11 off the bench for Tech.

Sophomore guard Ben Hammond really struggled against N.C. State. Hammond was held scoreless, missing all 9 shots from the field. He did dish out four assists and did not turn the ball over. Hammond had scored in double digits in the last six games and 14 of the last 15 games.

Virginia Tech was again without sophomore guard Tyler Johnson. Last weekend, head coach Mike Young seemed optimistic that Johnson would return against the Wolfpack. Hopefully, Tech can get Johnson back for Clemson, as he is the Hokies’ best two-way player.