It’s been a solid start for the ACC overall, with teams not losing buy games and getting some wins over high-major opponents. A program with the chance to add to that was Virginia Tech, taking on Iowa in a neutral site battle. It turned into one of the best games of the night, with the game rarely being separated by one possession.
The Hokies had a chance to win it in regulation but needed five more minutes. In the end, the ACC program was able to eke out a 93-88 victory in overtime to move to 3-0 on the season. Plenty of things went well for the program, while other things need improvements. Here are some takeaways from the game for the Hokies.
1. Ben Hammond’s career-high performance
Hammond started 35 games in the first two years at Virginia Tech, averaging around double figures. He’s off to a breakout start to this season, putting up 22 ppg in the first three games. That includes a career-high 32 points, including making all 11 free throws in the win. The Hokies need a lead guard to raise their ceiling and so far, Hammond is playing at an All-ACC level.
2. Curry/Elohim being impact transfers
Besides Hammond, two other perimeter players who reached double figures were Jaylen Curry (25 points) and Isaiah Elohim (12). They were two of the biggest transfer pickups this offseason for the program and with depth questions overall, Virginia Tech badly needed these two to be impact contributors. We’ll see if this lasts all season but so far, they’ve been positive additions.
3. Frontcourt depth outside of Hansberry a question
Amani Hansberry had a good game, producing 16 points and eight rebounds. But the rest of the frontcourt chipped in with next to nothing, with Miles Heide fouling out in 10 minutes, while Musa Sagnia and Sin’Cere Jones not scoring either. The defense was okay but relying on Hansberry to play around 35-40 mpg against good teams is unrealistic long-term, especially against a Hawkeyes team that doesn’t have many great bigs.
In the end, Virginia Tech Basketball got the needed win, with some things to work on inside.
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