Hokies Scrape By Winthrop In 58-52 Win

Carter Hill

Sports Director

November 11, 2024

Virginia Tech's defensive effort was much-improved in the win over Winthrop. (Virginia Tech Athletics)

BLACKSBURG – Sure, there’s much work to be done, but the progress is apparent. 

After a disappointing defensive showing in Friday’s 93-74 victory over USC Upstate, Virginia Tech (3-0) put together a much-improved defensive performance to help scrape by Winthrop (2-1) 58-52 in a sluggish one on Monday evening inside Cassell Coliseum.

“We had to take a quantum leap forward defensively,” Tech sixth-year head coach Mike Young said. “I thought we were next to deplorable on Friday. … We take a lot of pride in [playing defense]. The ball’s getting on the way to the rim. We weren’t very connected. I thought the complete flip of that was tonight.

“I was discouraged when I left here Friday. … I may have had on a happy face and I was looking forward to a sandwich and a cold Coca-Cola at PK’s, but I was down a little bit.”

The Spartans went 28-of-55 (50.9%) from the field on Friday compared to the Eagles’ 20-of-58 (34.5%). Winthrop also shot just 5-of-32 (15.6%) from deep, with the Hokies closing in on any opportunity they’d get. 

So what changed?

“I feel like the way we started, the way the starters came out,” Tech freshman guard Tyler Johnson said. “Last game, we came out a little slow, had to pick back up the last 15-20 minutes of the half. But the way we came out today, we were ready to play. We just executed the scout.”

The Hokies also forced 11 turnovers over the course of the contest, limiting the Eagles to just 25% (8-of-32) in the first half and 2-for-16 (12.5%) from three.

Though Tech was sluggish offensively, it got good looks. The Hokies ended up shooting a measly 33.3% (19-of-57) and 27.6% (8-of-29) from deep, but they got a strong showing from Duke transfer Jaden Schutt, who put up a team-high 17 points and knocked down five threes.

VCU transfer Tobi Lawal also added 10, while both guards Jaydon Young and Ben Hammond each put up six, with Young hitting two key threes down the stretch. 

“We couldn’t throw one in the New River,” Young said. “But Jaydon Young stepped to the plate. … Ben Hammond hit a huge shot in front of our bench. Disappointed with our shooting numbers, that will get better.”

The Hokies also outrebounded Winthrop 43-32, with both Johnson and Lawal each snatching 10. Tech will take that, there’s no doubt. 

The turning point came with the contest knotted up at 42. 

With the game still in doubt and the Hokies in need of a spark, the Hokies would proceed to go on an 8-0 run. 

Redshirt sophomore Patrick Wessler would score for two to put Tech in front, with Lawal following that up with a slam, and Young adding on with a three to give the Hokies a 50-42 lead. 

It was one that they wouldn’t relinquish, with Tech able to slam the door. 

Despite some concerns, the Hokies are 3-0, and though there’s still a long way to go, the pieces are there to potentially mold.

“That’s not Miami, that’s not whomever, but [Winthrop’s] a good team,” Young said. “This team needed to see that, they needed to feel that, they needed to experience that, they needed to play that way. 

“And now we’ll get them back on Wednesday and have some really good film to see.”