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) /

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2. Own the three-point line

Virginia Tech’s biggest strength the past few seasons has been the 3-point line. They’ll need to set that tone in the early going against Gardner-Webb. With Justin Robinson leading the way, they should be in good shape to do so.

Robinson led all scorers with 20 points and nine assists in the exhibition win over Liberty this past Sunday. He netted four 3-pointers to lead the way for the Hokies as well. Ahmed Hill made two 3-pointers while Ty Outlaw also made one.

Isaiah Wilkins emerged as a key contributor off the bench for the Hokies last Sunday in their exhibition victory over Liberty. Wilkins scored 16 points in 16 minutes with three made 3-pointers in the turnaround victory.

Owning the 3-point line will be imperative, especially against a competitive Big South squad. Senior guard David Efianayi is a lethal scorer for the Runnin’ Bulldogs on the other side. Efianayi returns as their leading scorer from a season ago, putting up 17.5 points on 36.2 percent shooting from 3-point land.

He scored 14 points in their loss to the Rams while also turning the ball over five times. As a team, Gardner-Webb shot 5-of-16 from 3-point range in the loss. It should be an added focus heading into Friday’s game, which should give Virginia Tech an edge.

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