No.16 Virginia Tech Takes on Ball State in Opening Round of Charleston Classic

After a blowout win vs Gardner-Webb, the 16th ranked Hokies take on Ball State in the first round of the Charleston Classic.

Why Virginia Tech Can Win:

Virginia Tech got off to a slow start to vs Gardner-Webb on Friday, but had a strong second half to secure a win. If Tech wants to win Thursday they have to limit their turnovers as they had 20 against Gardner-Webb which allowed the Bulldogs to hang around in the game. The Hokies should also be able to score a lot against Ball State as the Cardinals have been allowing 80 points a game. Virginia Tech’s bigs will have to stay out of foul trouble to give the Hokies the inside presence they need to win this game. 

Why Ball State Can Win:

Ball State is coming off a tough loss to No. 24 Purdue. Ball State hung around with Purdue for most of the game and even had the lead at one point. If Ball State can come with the energy they played with vs Purdue they should be able to hang around with the Hokies. If the Cardinals want to win this game they need to force turnovers and have a strong transition offense.

Player to Watch: Isaiah Wilkins 

Wilkins played great collegiate debut against Gardner-Webb scoring 21 points on 70% shooting. If the Hokies want to win more this season they need Wilkins to put up more games like this, especially with the absence of Chris Clarke 

Writers Predictions: 

Will Cash:  I don’t think Ball State will be able to keep up with Virginia Tech’s scoring attack for 40 minutes. I expect a big game from Justin Robinson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker versus a soft Ball State defense. Hokies: 85 Cardinals: 73

Colin Gilley: Virginia Tech will handle Ball State with ease. Virginia Tech’s offense is just to good and fast for Ball State to compete with. Watch for the Hokies stars Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Justin Robinson to have big games. Hokies: 95 Cardinals: 69