Virginia Tech Basketball: 3 keys for the Hokies against Gardner-Webb

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Justin Robinson #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts after fouling out against the Alabama Crimson Tide late in the second half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

1 of 4

Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images /

Virginia Tech Basketballs opens the regular season at home on Friday night against Gardner-Webb. Here’s a look at 3 keys entering the game.

The Virginia Tech Hokies open the 2018-19 season against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs. Gardner-Webb isn’t a top-ranked team, but they should be a squad the Hokies take seriously, especially with the suspension of Chris Clarke. Head coach Buzz Williams hasn’t hesitated to make difficult decisions with his team and it’s shown in the recent results.

Virginia Tech went 21-12 in 2017-18 and return four starters from last year’s tournament team. With the return of Ty Outlaw, the season currently hangs in the balance. Outlaw put up five points and seven rebounds in the Hokies’ 86-70 victory over the Liberty Flames in exhibition play last Sunday night.

Williams has led the Hokies to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and looks to make it three in a row despite recent news. Even without Clarke, they’re a deep squad but they’ll need some newcomers to step up in his absence.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs have already begun their season, entering Friday night’s game with a 0-1 record. They lost to the VCU Rams on the road, 69-57, on Tuesday night. Despite the loss, they have some firepower with some key veterans. Here’s a look at three keys for the Virginia Tech Hokies heading into the season opener against Gardner-Webb.

Home/Virginia Tech Hokies