Virginia Tech Hokies vs Radford Highlanders Prediction

Dec 3, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard D.J. Newbill (2) defends against a drive by Virginia Tech Hokies guard Devin Wilson (11) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State wins 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Brett Carlsen-USA TODAY Sports

During the middle of the week, the Virginia Tech Hokies made a trip to State College, Pennslyvania to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Hokies played quite well in this game but they gave up too many free throws in this game which proved very costly as Virginia Tech lost 61-58 to Penn State.

Today, the Hokies get the chance to bounce back as they take on the nearest Division I program to Blacksburg, the Radford Highlanders.

Radford is 4-3 on the season just like the Hokies but Virginia Tech is clearly the better team entering this showdown. The Hokies have an easy schedule before they travel to Morgantown to take on West Virginia and there is no reason why Virginia Tech should not be 9-3 by the time they play the Mountaineers.

However, the Hokies can’t afford to mess around and overlook their next few games including this one.

Radford is led by senior forward Javonte Green who is averaging 13.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per game but Green is only 6-4 on a Radford team that does not have a size advantage in this matchup. Green will do some damage but Joey Van Zegeren will shine despite how he will likely only play 20 to 25 minutes so other, younger big man can get some playing time.

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Van Zegeren will have 13 to 15 points with 8 rebounds and a couple of block as Virginia Tech will make sure rebounds are not a factor in the outcome. Satchel Pierce will not do too bad in this game but he likely will have a few struggles.

One huge thing is the fact that Virginia Tech shoots 49% from the field compared to Radford who has been shooting 39.2% from the field. The Hokies have a quality ball distributor in Devin Wilson who knows how to attack the basket and create space on the outside for an open three-point shooter. The Hokies also are dangerous on the fast break which could be very important in this game.

The Hokies are playing better and they will be ready to go for this game against nearby Radford. Virginia Tech will slowly but steadily turn this game into a comfortable victory in front of what will likely be a decent crowd. Virginia Tech will beat Radford, 77-57.