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 Grant Halverson/Getty Images /

1. Ride the Kerry Blackshear Jr. wave

One player who has found a new identity in the absence of Justin Robinson is Kerry Blackshear Jr. He put up four double-doubles in the final six games of the season for Virginia Tech, showing his ability to step up with their leader out.

In the final 10 games of the season, Blackshear produced 18.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 56.6 percent shooting from the floor and 38.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line. His game has elevated in the absence of Justin Robinson and the Hokies would be wise to ride the wave.

On the flip side, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one player who has struggled with Robinson off the floor. He’s shooting 36.4 percent from the floor and 29.2 percent from behind the arc in his last 10 appearances. With Robinson back on the floor, look for him to get back in his groove.

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The Hokies have an opportunity to get over the hump here and get a first-round victory. If they can get over this one, look for them to be a favorite to make the Sweet 16.

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