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12/11 20:23 CST Avdalas scores 30 as Virginia Tech pushes past Western Carolina
96-74
Avdalas scores 30 as Virginia Tech pushes past Western Carolina 96-74
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) --- Neoklis Avdalas poured in 30 points to lead Virginia
Tech past Western Carolina 96-74 on Tuesday night, pushing the Hokies' home
start to 6-0.
Avdalas hit four 3s and repeatedly stopped Western Carolina's pushes, including
a pair of early second-half buckets that stretched Virginia Tech's lead to
59-37. His jumper and free throw at 12:50 held the margin at 67-46, and he
later buried a 3 with 5:36 left to make it 80-58.
Western Carolina (4-6) leaned on Marcus Kell's 22 points, including 15 after
halftime. Justin Johnson added 15 points and hit a key 3 at 12:19 that cut the
deficit to 67-49 before the Hokies steadied again.
Tyler Johnson scored 13 for Virginia Tech (9-2) and knocked down a 3 with 10:41
remaining that reopened a 71-51 cushion. Amani Hansberry had 18 points, six
assists and six rebounds.
Western Carolina shot just 42% and went 18 for 30 at the line. Samuel Dada
added six points and seven rebounds, and Kell scored Western Carolina's final
field goal, a 3, with 2:59 left.
Ben Hammond's free throws and Jaden Schutt's jumper in the final minute closed
out Virginia Tech's 96-74 win.
Up Next Virginia Tech continues a five-game home stand against Maryland Eastern on Dec. 14. Western Carolina travels to Georgia on Dec. 18. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball |
