Virginia Tech Basketball: 3 keys to upsetting the Duke Blue Devils

3. Keep the ball out of Zion and R.J. Barrett’s hands

The Hokies forced just 12 turnovers in the first meeting and they’ll need to force a whole lot more with Zion on the floor. Opponents are averaging 14.5 turnovers per game against Virginia Tech in the NCAA Tournament. With a wealth of experience on their side, they’ll need to set the tone defensively.

R.J. Barrett had 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting in the first game but he was just 1-of-6 from behind the arc. With Zion back in the lineup, the Hokies will now have two players to focus in on and keeping the ball out of their hands could be key in earning a victory. Cam Reddish and Tre Jones aren’t to be forgotten either but when Duke is successful, Zion and Barrett are usually the scoring catalysts in that regard.

The odds are certainly with the Hokies now that Justin Robinson is back from injury. He’ll need to be a spark in this game and then some if they hope to pull the upset. Zion and Barrett both had solid games against UCF, but the Hokies are a much more aggressive team on defense. If they can fluster both of them and force the ball out of their hands, a victory could be on the horizon.