Virginia Tech-Penn State preview

Chris Hirons

December 8, 2020

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Five days after a late scare against VMI, Virginia Tech takes on Penn State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge Tuesday night at Cassell Coliseum.

The Hokies enter the matchup 4-0 and are ranked No. 15 after climbing up a spot when the new AP Top 25 was released Monday afternoon. Tech has three players all averaging over 10 points per game with Keve Aluma leading the way with 17.8.

Penn State’s (2-1) opener against Drexel was canceled before beating VMI and then edging out VCU. PSU’s Seth Lundy went for 32 points against VCU. Tech has lost its last two meetings with the Nittany Lions, with the most recent game resulting in a 63-62 Penn State win in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge in 2018 in University Park.

Penn State’s Key to the Game: Protect the Paint

Virginia Tech’s offense is as close to complete as you can find. After beating then-No. 3 Villanova and South Florida in Bubbleville with the three-pointer, Tech couldn’t hit threes at a consistent rate against VMI. In the second half, the Hokies’ offense attacked the paint and ended up scoring half (32 of 64) of their total game points in the paint to defeat VMI.

If the Hokies can’t get it going on the perimeter, they still have other ways to beat teams. But if they can’t get the ball inside also, it’s going to be a long night for Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech’s Key to the Game: Stop Seth Lundy

As I already mentioned, Seth Lundy dropped 32 points against the Rams, leading the offense to a 72-69 victory at University Park. Even in Penn State’s loss to Seton Hall on Sunday, Lundy led the way on offense with 23 points.

It’s no question he’s PSU’s go-to guy on offense, as he leads the team in scoring with 22.8 points per game. As long as Tech can hold the six-foot-six forward to under 20 points, it should have a pretty good chance at beating the Nittany Lions.

Penn State Player to Watch: Sam Sessoms

Now, the easy answer would be to go with Seth Lundy, but then I’d be cheating you out of this read. Anyway, Penn State’s second leading scorer, Sam Sessoms, averages 13 points per game off the bench. To put that into perspective, Cartier Diarra is Tech’s leading bench scorer with 7.7 points-per-game.

The transfer from Binghamton is shooting 45.5% from the floor and 40% from deep. He’ll be a tough matchup for whichever guard is guarding him come Tuesday night.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Justyn Mutts

Justyn Mutts seemed to turn the corner against VMI last time out, scoring 10 points and grabbing nine boards — one rebound away from a double-double. The Delaware transfer also showed off his vision and racked up a season-high six assists against the Keydets.

Mutts, though, will need to stay out of trouble after fouling out against USF and after picking up four fouls in his other three contests. On the season, Mutts is 10-20 overall and 2-7 from beyond the arc.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 70, Penn State 63

Game Details:

Penn State (2-1) at No. 15 Virginia Tech (4-0)

Tipoff: 8 p.m.

Location: Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.

Broadcast Info: ESPNU; Dave O'Brien (PxP) and Jordan Cornette (Analyst)