Tech Takeaways: A look back at the Hokies' 62-53 win over VirginiaTech Takeaways: A look back at the Hokies' 62-53 win over Virginia
Men's Basketball

Tech Takeaways: A look back at the Hokies' 62-53 win over Virginia

BLACKSBURG – Keve Aluma produced another outstanding Commonwealth Clash performance on Monday night, putting up 24 points and eight rebounds in Virginia Tech's 62-53 victory.
 
BIG-GAME ALUMA

  • In three games against Virginia, Aluma has averaged 25 points and eight boards, while going 2-1 against the Cavaliers.
  • Aluma has scored 20+ points and hauled in five or more boards in seven ACC games this season.
  • It wasn't just the number of points that the Berlin, Maryland native scored, but the timeliness of when the buckets came. When the Cavaliers brought the game within four points with 2:47 remaining, Aluma stepped up and provided a rim-rocking dunk followed by a turnaround jumper with the shot clock expiring. 
  • On the defensive end, Aluma tied his career high in blocks with four. 

FOUND A WAY

  • Despite recording a season low in 3-point percentage (.250) and losing the rebounding margin (-7), Tech secured its sixth-straight win in ACC play. 
  • For the first time in its six-game win streak, Virginia Tech went into the half trailing. The deficit was largely in part to Jayden Gardner's 15 points and eight rebounds in the first half. In the second half, Gardner was limited to two points, six rebounds and three turnovers.
  • The Hokies outscored Virginia by 13 points in the second half, the second largest second-half scoring margin of ACC play for Tech (14 vs. Notre Dame, 1/15). The final 20 minutes began with a 10-2 surge by Virginia Tech, with eight points coming from Aluma.

CONTEST EVERY SHOT

  • For the first time since March 1, 2012, against Clemson, the Hokies' opponent did not hit a single 3-pointer.
  • For the second time under Mike Young, Virginia Tech has limited its opponents to shooting 40.0% or less from the field in three-consecutive ACC games. 
  • These numbers play a part in Tech having the ACC's second-best scoring defense.

PROTECT THE ROCK

  • The Hokies have had single-digit turnovers in the last three games, including the two lowest numbers in their last two games (four and six).
  • In his last two outings, Justyn Mutts has recorded 16 assists and only one turnover.