Field Level Media
Nov 18, 2021
Nahiem Alleyne and Keve Aluma scored 18 points each to propel Virginia Tech to an 85-55 win over Saint Francis (Pa.) on Thursday night in Blacksburg, Va.
Virginia Tech (4-0) also got a lift from a pair of reserves. David N'Guessan had seven points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots, while Darius Maddox added 11 points, hitting all four of his shots from the floor, including three from beyond the arc.
Marlon Hargis came off the bench to score 15 points to lead Saint Francis (1-2). The Red Flash entered the game with all five starters averaging at least 11.5 points per game, but none reached double figures on Thursday.
Virginia Tech limited Saint Francis to 33.3 percent shooting from the floor, including a 6-of-23 performance (26.1 percent) from beyond the arc.
Mark Flagg, averaging 14 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, picked up his fourth foul 31 seconds into the second half and played just 12 minutes, finishing scoreless and with three boards. Saint Francis' top scorer, Ramiir Dixon-Conover, was held to four points, hitting just 1 of 11 shots from the floor.
Virginia Tech took control of the game with a 14-0 run that bridged the halves. In the final 2:57 of the first half, the Hokies scored 11 straight points to grab a 34-22 halftime lead.
After missing six of his first seven shots, Aluma came alive, starting the run with a free throw, adding a pair of hook shots from the lane and passing to Maddox for a corner 3-pointer with three seconds left before the break.
Aluma, who added seven rebounds, started the second half with a free throw, and Alleyne, who hit 7 of 10 shots overall, made a jumper to complete the run, which put the Hokies up 37-22.
In the second half, the Hokies shot 64.5 percent from the floor. On the night, Virginia Tech outscored Saint Francis 16-7 from the free-throw line.
--Field Level Media