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No. 24 Virginia Tech Triumphs Over Grambling State After Slow Start

Nels Williams·December 19, 2022

Although it was a slow start for the Hokies Saturday afternoon, Virginia Tech (11-1) defeated Grambling State (6-5) with ease 74-48 in Blacksburg.

A sleepy Virginia Tech offense was jolted awake when Grambling State jumped out to a 10-point, 23-13 lead with just under 10 minutes remaining in the first half. However, after a 3-pointer and two free throws made by Sean Pedulla, the Hokies went on a quick 12-0 run, powered by Pedulla, Hunter Cattoor, and Lynn Kidd.

Heading into the second half, Virginia Tech led 34-25. While its offense wasn’t shooting great from the floor (42.9%), it was excellent from behind the arc, as it went 7-of-16 (43.8%) from long-range.

And in the latter frame, Grambling State stood no chance against the powerful Virginia Tech offense. The Hokies would not squander their lead, and the closest the Tigers got to tying was within nine points roughly four minutes into the second half.

Sean Pedulla finished atop the Hokies’ and scorers’ sheet with 21 points, just one shy of his career high of 22 he set against William & Mary last month. Grant Basile followed with 13, Mutts 11, and Basile, Maddox, and Kidd each had seven.

It felt like the Virginia Tech team from last year on Saturday, as the Hokies focused more on shooting from behind the arc rather than from in it. Its offense ended the day shooting 26-of-51 (51%) from the floor and a sharp 11-of-27 (40.7%) from 3-point range. That’s better than their season average of 35.3% its offense had entering the game.

So far this season, Lynn Kidd and Mylyjael Poteat have proven to be extremely important frontcourt pieces for Virginia Tech, and the pair continue to shine down low. Combined, the two had six rebounds and eleven points on Saturday, and are averaging double digit points every game.

Virginia Tech is now off to their best start since the 2019 Sweet Sixteen team. Up next is 6-6 Boston College on Wednesday in Chestnut Hill at 6:30 p.m., and coverage can be found on the ACC Network.