Virginia Tech Basketball: 3 keys to first-round matchup with Saint Louis

Virginia Tech basketball is making its third-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. Here are three keys to getting a first-round victory.

Virginia Tech basketball is back in the NCAA Tournament once again as they face the Saint Louis Billikens in the first round. The Hokies are coming off two appearances in the Big Dance that both ended in the opening round. The third times the charm for Buzz Williams and company as they have become a tournament regular of sorts in the past few seasons and look to get past the first round.

Their 24-8 record is the best under Coach Williams since beginning his tenure in 2014-15. They began the season ranked 15th and ended at 16th. As a model of consistency, they’ve shown that no matter what’s thrown at them, they will find a way to win. Virginia Tech managed to rely on a scrappy style of defense to get victories when it’s all said and done. They allow just 62.1 points per game while averaging an ACC-best 9.6 makes from the 3-point line on the other end of the floor.

As the No. 4 seed in the East, the Hokies will be tested all tournament long. Their first test will be No. 13 seed Saint Louis. They match up well against them, which bodes well for the end result. Here’s a look at three keys to victory for the Hokies against the Billikens in the first round.

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