Virginia Tech Basketball: 3 keys for the Hokies against Saint Francis (PA)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 10: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies shoots over Devon Hall #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on February 10, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images /

3. Stay out of foul trouble

The Hokies are a limited team when it comes to depth but not experience. As a physical team on defense, they’ll need to assert themselves a bit on the defensive end and stay out of foul trouble.

Saint Francis is a team that makes roughly 7.0 3-pointers per contest in 2018-19. They’re also averaging 15.8 free throws per game. On the flip side, Virginia Tech is allowing 10.5 made 3-pointers but just 9.0 free throws per game through four contests.

Kerry Blackshear Jr. finished their game against Purdue on Sunday with four fouls and played just 17 minutes of action. He had 13 points coming on 3-of-5 field goals and 7-of-11 shooting from the free throw line. Blackshear will be a key player in the Hokies rotation this season and it’s pertinent that he learns to stay out of foul trouble as he’s needed on the court.

Another player who suffered a bit of foul trouble and saw staggered minutes was sophomore guard Wabissa Bede. Bede played just 19 minutes action and finished the game scoreless with three fouls.

The Hokies have done well to stifle their opponent but also prevent Limiting looks behind the 3-point line will be key but doing it in a manner that doesn’t send their opponent to the foul line will also be of the utmost importance.

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