Hokies open Charleston Classic with matchup against Old Dominion

tech logoTech returns to defend its 2018 tournament title

Hokiesports.com

BLACKSBURG – For the first time since claiming the title in 2018, Virginia Tech will return to the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic this weekend. The Hokies will start their run against Old Dominion on Thursday evening.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Thursday, Nov. 17 | 2:00 p.m. ET
TD Arena (Charleston, S.C.)
vs. Old Dominion
Series: VT leads 14-10

THE SERIES

  • Virginia Tech is 14-10 all-time against Old Dominion.
  • The Hokies and the Monarchs last met on Dec. 16, 2007 in Norfolk – a 72-69 ODU win.
  • Tech has dropped four of the last five in the ODU series.
  • Thursday will be the fourth neutral-site meeting between the two programs (VT leads 2-1).

HOT FROM DEEP

  • Through three games, the Hokies are shooting 44.9% from beyond the arc, which is the highest percentage through three games since Tech joined the ACC in 2004.
  • Three Hokies are shooting 47.1% or higher from deep (min. 10 attempts): Grant Basile, Hunter Cattoor and Sean Pedulla.
  • As of Nov. 14, Virginia Tech is the only ACC team with three players shooting 40.0% or higher (min. 2.5 3FGA/ game) from 3-point range.

LOOKING FOR FIVE STRAIGHT

  • For the fifth-consecutive season, Virginia Tech is 3-0 to start the season.
  • The Hokies will have for a 4-0 start for the fifth-straight season on Thursday against ODU. If accomplished, that will be the first time it’s ever happened in program history.

RETURNING TO CHARLESTON

  • The Hokies are set to return to the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic for the second time in program history.
  • Tech went 3-0 in the 2018 edition of the tournament, defeating Ball State, Northeastern and No. 23 Purdue along the way.
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who scored 20-plus points in all three games, earned tournament MVP honors.

SCOUTING THE MONARCHS

  • Old Dominion is coming off a 72-58 win over Virginia Wesleyan on Monday, which moved the Monarchs to 2-1 on the season.
  • Rebounding will be a key factor in Thursday’s game between Tech and ODU, specifically on the offensive end. The Monarchs average 15.3 offensive rebounds per game – tied for 29th in the country.
  • The Monarchs were slated to finish ninth in the Sun Belt in the league’s preseason coaches poll.
  • Old Dominion is led by Jeff Jones, who is in his ninth season at the helm of the Monarchs. Jones is no stranger to Virginia Tech, as the 30-year coaching veteran played and coached at Virginia.
  • Virginia Tech associate head coach Mike Jones played for ODU from 1991-95, leading the Monarchs to NCAA Tournament appearances in 1992 and 1995.

UP NEXT

  • Pending the result of Thursday’s game, the Hokies will play either Furman or Penn State on Friday, Nov. 18.