virginia tech-vmi preview

Jackson Didlake

December 3, 2020

BLACKSBURG – After going 2-0 at the Air Force Reserve Tip-Off Tournament, Virginia Tech returns return home to face VMI.

The Hokies were ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll on Monday, making their first appearance in the top 25 under head coach Mike Young, and their first time since ending the 2018-19 season at No. 16 under Buzz Williams in his final year.

This is the third matchup in three years between the Hokies and Keydets. Tech owns the all-time series 93-43 and has won the last eight games dating back to 2009. Mike Young is 13-0 all-time against the Keydets, dating back to his time at Wofford.

VMI sits at 2-1 with its only loss coming at the hands of Penn State over the weekend.

Senior guard Greg Parham has led the way for the Keydets, averaging 18.7 points per game on 64.5% from the field. VMI has two other scorers averaging double-digit points per game – Kamdyn Curfman (13) and Sean Conway (10.3).

The Hokies will look to take down their in-state opponent to stay ranked before resting until Tuesday, when they will face Penn State at home.

VMI Key to the Game: Slow Down Keve Aluma

Keve Aluma has been the train pushing the Hokies out to a hot start and was named the ACC Player of the Week. The redshirt junior averaged 18 points and five rebounds in Hokies first week of play, including a career-high 23 points in an upset victory over No. 3 Villanova.

Aluma transferred from Wofford, following Mike Young after he was hired by the Hokies. Aluma had to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. He is a threat under the basket but has found a deep game with the Hokies. After shooting just one three during his 68 games with Wofford, Aluma is six for nine to start this season.

Aluma is the leader for the Hokies this year and if the Keydets can slow him down and force others to make plays, they’ll make a victory more difficult for the Hokies.

Virginia Tech Key to the Game: Limit the Three

The Keydets heavily rely on the three ball to win games, shooting a season-high 38 three- pointers in their victory over St. Andrews to start the season.

VMI star Greg Parham leads the way from three, shooting 62.5% with Kamdyn Curfman (47.1%) coming in right behind him.

The Keydets are shooting 32.9% from three as a team. If the Hokies can limit Parham and Curfman from behind the arc, they will have the distinct advantage.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 74, VMI 58

Game Details:

VMI (2-1) at Virginia Tech (3-0)

Tipoff: 8 p.m.

Location: Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.

Television: ACC Network