Virginia Tech Men's Basketball: 3 takeaways from Hokies rout of USC Upstate

After beginning the season with a win over Delaware State on Monday night at Cassell Coliseum, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team was looking to improve to 2-0 on the young season Friday night against USC Upstate. The Hokies struggled, to say the least, digging themselves a 16-2 hole early on. They struggled from the field and couldn't get a stop defensively.

After a timeout, the Hokies turned up the defensive pressure and eventually climbed back into the game and led 37-32 at halftime before pulling away in the second half for a 19-point victory. Virginia Tech will be off until Monday night when they host Winthrop, but here are three takeaways from the Hokies win.

1. Virginia Tech struggles from beyond the arc

As was evident early in the game, the Hokies are going to struggle shooting the ball, especially from beyond the arc, but it won't stop them from continuing to shoot. Eventually, as the half went along, Brandon Rechsteiner hit the first of the game for Tech who started 0-for-7 from beyond the arc before finishing the opening 4-for-12. They finished the game 8-for-21 from 3.

2. Mylyjael Poteat has big game

The lone returning player who played meaningful minutes last season, Mylyjael Poteat had another big game in the middle for the Hokies. He finished with 19 points, tied with Rechsteiner, and five boards. He had some baskets off of offensive rebounds and was able to finish through contact against the Spartans.

3. Jaydon Young continues to play with confidence

Jaydon Young is in his second season with the Hokies and if there is a player who has an opportunity to become a player who can be a difference-maker at times this season, it's him. He finished with 14 points, 4-for-7 on 3-pointer's and he was shooting with confidence. When his shot is on, it's a beautiful release.

Freshman Tyler Johnson finished with 16 points, while Toibu Lawal (eight rebounds) and Duke transfer Jaden Schutt each had 10 points. Schutt only made one of his four 3-point attempts, but with each game, he's going to only get better shooting the ball. Again, the calling card for success for Mike Young's team this season is going to be balanced scoring and locking down on the defensive end. They are still a work in progress, but they're a 2-0 work in progress as compared to a 0-2 work in progress.