Keve Aluma needs a big game for Virginia Tech Basketball to upset Florida

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 11: Head coach Mike Young of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts following a basket during the first half of their quarterfinals game against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2021 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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Virginia Tech Basketball Justyn Mutts Garrison Brooks Florida (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Virginia Tech Basketball had a very hot start to the season with wins over Villanova, Virginia, and Clemson. After that hot start to the season, the Hokies were thought to be at least a five seed in the NCAA Tournament. Until Covid hit Virginia Tech.

After the Covid pause was over, the Hokies looked to be ready to play again and then suffered a tough loss to Georgia Tech and then got a blowout win over Wake Forest. Then another Covid pause hit the Hokies and they had to postpone another slew of games and did not get to play another game until the ACC Tournament against North Carolina.

When the Hokies played UNC though, they started the game pretty well. As the Hokies grabbed a three-point lead at halftime. Then in the second half, UNC just wore down the Hokies with their depth as four of the Tech’s players played over 30 minutes in the game. Justyn Mutts and Tyrece Radford played great, scoring 24 and 22 points apiece. Including this nasty poster by Mutts.

JUSTYN MUTTS!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!!!! https://t.co/521XmmA2ft
— Heat Check (@HeatCheck_Show) March 12, 2021

Overall, after being picked to finish 11th in the ACC, Mike Young made major strides in Blacksburg this year with finishing 3rd in the conference and continuing the Hokie’s NCAA Tournament streak.

Tech was led this year by Keve Aluma who averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one block on 48% shooting. Aluma was named to the All-ACC second team at the end of conference play. Followed by Aluma is Tyrece Radford who averaged 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists on 56% shooting.

Radford also got All-ACC honors being named to the All-ACC Honorable team. Nahiem Alleyne is the third leading scorer with 10 points a game, while Justyn Mutts and Jalen Cone average nine points a game.

With playing only two games in February and a short stint in the ACC Tournament, Tech comes into this game having barely played since January. I believe the Hokies have the talent to upset some tough teams though. Here are some keys I think the Hokies will have to do to upset Florida.

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