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

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 14: Ahmed Hill #13 of the Virginia Tech Hokies and teammates huddle before overtime against the Florida State Seminoles during their game in the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images /

3. Remain relentless on defense

The biggest asset for the Virginia Tech Hokies this season has been their defense. Their scoring defense ranks 11th in the nation in 2018-19, allowing 62.1 points per contest. In non-conference games this season, the Hokies allowed just 52.4 points per game.

The Hokies managed to force 17.2 turnovers per contest and held opponents to 27.3 percent shooting from behind the arc against non-ACC foes. With a guard-heavy rotation, the Hokies match up favorably with the Billikens and if anything, they hold a slight size advantage with Kerry Blackshear Jr. in the frontcourt. They’ve survived all season with their blitzing style of play on defense and that’s not likely to slow down in the NCAA Tournament.

The Hokies have found a new identity in the absence of senior guard Justin Robinson. With him on the floor now, they’ll need to apply what they’ve learned and keep things going so they can get a first-round victory.

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