virginia tech-george washington preview

Topher Wagner

December 1, 2020

BLACKSBURG, Va. - As the first week of the college basketball season comes to a close, the Hokies host the visiting George Washington Colonials on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Blacksburg in a matchup between two unbeaten teams.

The Hokies (2-0) look to continue their momentum from their weekend victory over the Liberty Flames 81-66. Virginia Tech’s three point shooting was integral in the win, hitting 14 shots from beyond the arc. Senior guard Aisha Sheppard led the way with four threes to go along with 17 points and six assists.

The Hokies have shown their depth early on this season as five players scored in double figures against the Flames.

As for the visitors, George Washington has been dominant so far this season on the defensive side of the ball. Through two games, the Colonials have held their opponents to just 37.5 points per game on 22.4% shooting, both the best marks in the NCAA. Despite the small sample size, these numbers are quite impressive . They will need to do it again against a Hokies squad that has put up over 80 points in both of their contests so far this season.

This will be the first matchup between Virginia Tech and George Washington since they clashed in Blacksburg in November of 2012. The Hokies won 50-31 as part of an ongoing three-game winning streak in this matchup, though Tech only holds an 11-10 edge in the all-time series between the two programs.

Virginia Tech also has an impressive school mark of 57 consecutive non- conference home games won, including a perfect 41-0 record under head coach Kenny Brooks. GW will have a shot to end that streak on Tuesday, especially if their stifling defense can continue their remarkable start.

Virginia Tech Key to the Game: Stay Hot from Three-Point Land

In their first two games, the Hokies made a combined 26 three-point shots on 41% shooting. That stellar margin must continue against the Colonials if Virginia Tech wants to continue to put up the gaudy offensive numbers they’ve produced so far.

Against Liberty, Sheppard attempted 16 out of the Hokies 34 three- point attempts, making four of them, so watch for the star guard to shoot early and often in this one as she looks to stay hot this opening week.

Liberty Key to the Game: Keep Up the Stellar Perimeter Defense

Much like Virginia Tech’s need to continue their three-point offense in this matchup, it will be imperative that George Washington can slow down Tech’s outside shooting if they want to have a chance.

So far on the season, the Colonials boast arguably the best defense in the country, holding their opponents to the fewest made field goals in the NCAA. Their mark of five three-pointers allowed also ranks third fewest, so the value of their perimeter defense cannot be overstated.

However, it is one thing to slow down the likes of Lincoln and Old Dominion, but another thing altogether to stop one of the hottest offenses in the ACC. George Washington’s defense will play a large role in this matchup as the game is likely to be decided from beyond the arc.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch:

Elizabeth Kitley will be one of the most important players to keep an eye on this Tuesday, as her 27 total rebounds through two games leads all Hokies.

Kitley has been a force to be reckoned with in the paint so far this season as the reigning ACC Freshman of the Year has had consecutive double-doubles. However, Kitley may have her work cut out for her in this matchup as she’ll be going up against junior Neila Luma, who averaged 11 rebounds per game in the first week of the season.

George Washington Player to Watch:

Neila Luma has been arguably the Colonials’ best player so far, averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per game on 59.3% shooting during week one. As a result, she was named the the A-10 Player of the Week.

The Colonials’ methodical offense has run through Luma so far, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her be the focal point against the Hokies. Luma and Kitley will be the top matchup to watch for in this contest.

Score Prediction: Virginia Tech 65, Liberty 55

While the Colonials seem to have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball, their offense has been a bit lackluster so far, putting up only 54 points per game. Against a Hokies team that showcased their surplus of shooters, Virginia Tech will hold on.