Virginia Tech Vanquishes Valparaiso 71-50
Virginia Tech defeated Valparaiso 71-50 on Saturday, improving to a 7-3 record on the season.
Due to Pedulla's foot injury, the Hokies featured a few new players in the starting rotation Saturday. Brandon Rechsteiner and Mekhi Long both got their first starts of the season, and Nickel got his third.
“I thought Mekhi had earned that opportunity, and let’s see Robbie coming off the bench. Sometimes guys are more comfortable in that role,” said Head Coach Mike Young.
Tech opened up with a quick layup to Lynn Kidd from Rechsteiner. Valpo immediately answered with a three from their main scorer Jaxon Edwards, taking its first and only lead of the contest.
The Hokies shot very well in the first half, draining 6-12 from deep. Tyler Nickel’s hand was hot netting 3-4 threes, showing his offensive prowess.
Despite the efficient shooting, Tech only held a 14-point lead at the half, mainly due to turnovers. VT had 11 over the 20 minutes, directly leading to 12 points for Valparaiso.
The Hokies turned it around after halftime. With only four turnovers and 11 second-chance points, the Hokies crept up to a 25-point lead halfway through the 2nd. They continued to push, finally closing out the game 71-50.
Robbie Beran, Hunter Cattoor, Rechsteiner, and Nickel all had solid games. Beran looked great on defense and knocked down a few shots. Cattoor drove to the hoop and opened the offense while adding a trio of triples for 19 points.
Rechsteiner looked good at the point in place of Pedulla. He had a few lazy turnovers, but overall he kept the ball moving well in his 28 minutes. Nickel’s four threes led the team, giving them a boost on offense as he continues to break into a bigger role.
“It brings a lot of confidence in me because now I know what to see and what works and what does not work in real, full-game minutes,” said Rechsteiner.
According to Young, Pedulla got hurt in the last play of the Louisville game and should be back soon.
“It’s a sprain, it’s at the bottom of his foot. We did everything we needed to do to care for him, MRI, X-ray, saw an orthopedic surgeon, saw a family practice physician,” said Young. “He’s got a little pain below, but no swelling.”
Virginia Tech will face the Vermont Catamounts (8-2) on Saturday, December 16 and the American University Eagles (4-6) on Thursday, December 21 for its next two games.
