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The Virginia Tech Hokies Beat the VMI Keydets 87-74

By Tim Thomas

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Dec 22, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Buzz Williams congratulates guard Ahmed Hill (13) during the game against the Virginia Military Keydets at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies were looking to win their third straight game in their last game before Christmas. The opponent was VMI who is a very familiar foe and has played the Hokies plenty of times in the past. VMI was seen as a potentially dangerous team due to their unique style which gave the Hokies some problems in this game.

However, Virginia Tech was able to get the job done in a high scoring game.

The Virginia Tech Hokies beat the VMI Keydets 87-74 in a game that was the tale of two halves with Virginia Tech dominating the first half and VMI dominating the early part of the second half.

Virginia Tech was up by 24 at halftime but VMI made it a 13-point game fairly quickly in the second half. The Hokies were able to slow down the VMI momentum and make a few more shots than the Keydets, but VMI kept it relatively close due to the Keydets’ improved three-point shooting.

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Justin Bibbs was very agressive in this game, and he attacked the rim many times which gave him a lot of scoring opportunities that he took advantage of. Bibbs had 20 points in this game, and was 6 of 10 from the field and a very good 8 of 10 from the free throw line.

Bibbs also had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal which shows how he is starting to be more than just the featured scorer. Bibbs is willing to attack the basket and either get the layup, get fouled, or get an opportunity for a three-point play which has made him a very effective scorer.

Devin Wilson had a couple of rough games but bounce back against VMI with 16 points and 6 assists. Wilson is starting to gain confidence as a shooter after making two three-pointers including one as time expired in the first half. Wilson also did a great job of attacking the rim, and getting points as he was 4 of 6 from the field and 6 of 7 from the free throw line.

Jalen Hudson had a career-high 12 points in this game plus 2 blocks and 2 steals in a game in which he showed how good he could be. Shane Henry had his best game of the season with a career-high 13 rebounds to go with 6 points and 3 blocks. Henry is gaining more playing time, and has improved signifcantly over the course of the non-conference schedule.

The Hokies did have too many turnovers in this game with 15 though the increased number of possessions could be a reason for that in this fast-paced game. Virginia Tech will now turn their attention to Presbyterian with a game in Morgantown against West Virginia looming on December 30th.

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