The Virginia Tech men's basketball team kicked off the 2026-27 season on Tuesday night at home against Coppin State and rolled to an 88-54 victory for an impressive opening to the season. Of course, it was a game that the Hokies were expected to win and win big, which they did.
In an unusual schedule quirk, Virginia Tech has a quick turnaround and will host Mercer on Thursday night at Cassell Coliseum in another game they will be heavily favored in. Here is all the information needed to watch the game as Mike Young's club looks to go to 2-0 early in the season.
How to watch Virginia Tech vs. Mercer
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 5
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Cassell Coliseum
- How to Watch (TV): ACC Network Extra/ESPN+
- Streaming: fubo TV
- Virginia Tech record: 1-0
- Mercer record: 1-0
Virginia Tech vs. Mercer odds, spread, and total
Odds are from DraftKings.
Moneyline
- Virginia Tech -4000
- Mercer +1600
Spread
- Virginia Tech -21.5 (-105)
- Mercer +21.5 (-115)
Total
- Over 152.5 (-115)/Under 152.5 (-105)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Virginia Tech vs. Mercer series history
- All-time meetings: 1
- Virginia Tech all-time record vs. Mercer: 1-0
- Last meeting: 1974: Virginia Tech 75, Mercer 65
Virginia Tech vs. Mercer preview
After playing their second game in 48 hours, the Hokies will host the Bears, who also won their first game of the season, 90-53, over Reinhardt. Shane Cherry led Mercer with 21 points off the bench, while starters Derek Goodman had 18 points and KJ Lamonte had 14.
As for Virginia Tech, they used an active defense to force 24 Coppin State turnovers that allowed them to get out in transition and finish, something it seems like will happen a lot this season, the Hokies getting out in transition off turnovers.
The new backcourt duo of Ben Hammond and Jaylen Curry looked good and could be a problem for opponents this season is both stay healthy. Hammond had 20 points, eight assists, and seven steals in 29 minutes, while Curry, who came to Virginia Tech from Oklahoma State in the Transfer Portal, had 19 points and connected on a trio of 3-pointers. He did have six turnovers, something that needs to be cleaned up.
Forward Amani Hansberry had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Hokies, to go along with four assists. After the game, Young made the comment that he wants to get Hansberry more touches in games than he did against the Eagles. Tyler Johnson came off the bench with 13 rebounds and seven assists in 22 minutes, including knocking down a 3-pointer. San Diego State transfer Miles Heide had five points and five rebounds, while Florida Atlantic transfer Isaiah Elohim had six points, but was active on the defensive end.
After this game, the Hokies will have five days off before going to Iowa to play the Hawkeyes in a neutral site in what will be a tough test against a team that went to the Elite Eight last spring.
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