Virginia Tech basketball asserted its dominance early and often, dismantling the Mercer Bears 96-67 at Cassell Coliseum on Thursday night. The Hokies improved to 2-0 on the season behind a blistering offensive performance, shooting 49% from the field and converting 36% of their three-point attempts. Senior forward Amani Hansberry led the charge, scoring a game-high 23 points on efficient 9-of-13 shooting while securing five rebounds. His scoring burst provided the necessary momentum, allowing the Hokies to pull away decisively and control the pace of the contest against the Bears.
Hokies’ senior forward anchors dominant 49% shooting night to secure second straight victory
Beyond Hansberry’s individual brilliance, the Virginia Tech backcourt displayed elite defensive pressure and ball security. Junior point guard Ben Hammond contributed 16 points, five steals, and four assists, extending his season total to 12 steals in just two games. Senior guard Jaylen Curry added 14 points, while Isaiah Elohim chipped in 11. The team’s defensive intensity was matched by a significant improvement in ball handling; the Hokies committed only four turnovers, a stark contrast to the 14 turnovers recorded in their Tuesday opener against Coppin State. This reduction in wasted possessions highlighted the team’s growing cohesion and disciplined execution under head coach Mike Young.
Depth proved to be a critical factor as well, with junior guard Tyler Johnson delivering a robust performance off the bench. The 6-foot-5 forward scored eight points and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, continuing his impressive start to the season. In just two games, Johnson has tallied 21 points and 16 rebounds, providing a reliable secondary scoring and rebounding threat. With the Hokies now 2-0, attention turns to their next challenge, a road trip to Sioux City, Iowa, where they will face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Tuesday. The team’s ability to maintain this level of offensive efficiency and defensive discipline will be crucial as they navigate a more demanding schedule.
Source: Yahoo Sports
