Virginia Tech Hokies vs Vanderbilt Commodores Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

Surging Vanderbilt meets skidding Virginia Tech

The SEC/ACC Challenge brings an intriguing clash as Vanderbilt, riding a wave of success, takes on a struggling Virginia Tech team in Blacksburg, Va., on Wednesday. Both teams are navigating different paths, with Vanderbilt surging under first-year coach Mark Byington and Virginia Tech desperately seeking answers to reverse a four-game losing streak.

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Vanderbilt’s Stellar Start

Mark Byington has quickly made his mark at Vanderbilt. The Commodores (7-1) are off to their best start since the 2010-11 season, fueled by a roster loaded with impactful transfers. Leading the charge is North Texas import Jason Edwards, who averages 18.1 points per game. He’s supported by:

• AJ Hoggard (Michigan State transfer): 11.7 points and 4.4 assists per game.
• Devin McGlockton (Boston College transfer): 11.6 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game.
• Former Virginia Tech players Tyler Nickel and MJ Collins Jr., contributing 10.3 and 7.0 points per game, respectively.

Despite their strong start, Byington emphasizes that Vanderbilt hasn’t yet reached its potential. “I told the guys… we’re not playing our best basketball, and that’s OK. I’m excited because we’re gonna get better and better,” he said.

Vanderbilt’s lone loss came in the Charleston Classic championship game against Drake, 81-70, but the team has shown resilience and adaptability, continually refining their lineup.

Virginia Tech’s Struggles

Virginia Tech (3-4) enters the game on a troubling four-game skid. The Hokies’ woes were on full display at the Fort Myers Tip-Off, where they suffered back-to-back double-digit losses to Michigan (75-63) and South Carolina (70-60). During this stretch, turnovers have been a significant issue, with the team averaging 16.5 per game.

Mike Young, Virginia Tech’s head coach, has taken responsibility for their struggles. “We don’t play with the best basketball IQ, and that’s on me,” Young admitted. Despite their challenges, VCU transfer Toibu Lawal and reserve Jaydon Young have shown flashes of promise, each scoring 12 points in consecutive games during the tournament.

Virginia Tech’s ranking has also plummeted. They sit last among power-conference teams in the KenPom.com and NET rankings, reflecting their dire need for improvement in both offense and defense.

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Key Matchup Insights

The game presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt to solidify their hot start and for Byington to face an in-state rival for the first time in his career. For Virginia Tech, the matchup is a critical test of their ability to recover from their recent slump.

Vanderbilt’s Keys to Success:

1. Leverage their balanced scoring, led by Edwards and a deep roster of experienced transfers.
2. Maintain defensive discipline to capitalize on Virginia Tech’s turnover struggles.
3. Continue experimenting with lineup combinations to maximize team cohesion.

Virginia Tech’s Path to Redemption:

1. Limit turnovers, which have been a recurring issue throughout their losing streak.
2. Improve decision-making and basketball IQ, as highlighted by Coach Young.
3. Find consistent scoring options to compete against Vanderbilt’s well-rounded offense.

Implications of the SEC/ACC Challenge

This showdown encapsulates two teams at pivotal junctures. Vanderbilt looks to sustain their early momentum, proving they can excel against tougher opponents, while Virginia Tech seeks to avoid falling deeper into a frustrating slump. For the Commodores, it’s a chance to demonstrate their readiness for the challenges of SEC play. For the Hokies, it’s about survival and rebuilding confidence.

As these two programs collide, expect a test of composure, adaptability, and grit in a game that could shape the trajectory of their seasons.