5. Virginia Tech Hokies (8-1)
Last week: 5th (↓4)
The Virginia Tech Hokies took their first loss of the season to the Penn State Wildcats in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, 63-62. It was a game that saw just four Hokies score in single digits but since then, they’ve found their offense.
In their victory over the USC Upstate Bulldogs last Saturday, four starters scored in double figures led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 19 points. Kerry Blackshear Jr. had the frontcourt on lock with his first double-double of the season (12 points and 13 rebounds) along with five assists.
Since scoring 62 points against Penn State, they’re averaging 88.0 points across their last three games. The key for them is finding their offense against Power 5 opponents.
Their next Power 5 opponent: the Washington Huskies, who they’ll face this Saturday, Dec. 15. The Hokies have an opportunity to enter ACC play with a favorable record and it’ll be a boost for their confidence to get a victory over the Hokies.
Their bench depth is coming along though, as Isaiah Wilkins and P.J. Horne have been solid reserves for them. Wilkins is averaging 7.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 16.9 minutes of action. Horne is producing 4.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.4 minutes of action. January will be their ultimate test though, when ACC play begins.