The Citadel @ Virginia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 17, 2016 ) The Citadel 71, Virginia Tech 113

There were plenty of positives for Virginia Tech after a blowout victory in Friday’s season opener, but plenty of eyes will be on forward Chris Clarke entering Sunday’s home contest against The Citadel. Nine months after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee, Clarke played 18 minutes and scored nine points in a reserve role in Friday’s 111-79 win, and the veteran who averaged 28.9 minutes before the injury a season ago will be brought along slowly in his return.

“He was cleared … relative to us continuing to monitor his minutes,” Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams told reporters after Friday’s victory. “This week, his minutes were at 20-25.” The Hokies certainly can use Clarke, who averaged 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds last season, and saw a glimpse of the future from freshman guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker on Friday. Alexander-Walker hit four 3-pointers en route to 24 points in 24 minutes in his collegiate debut. The Citadel opened its season Friday with a 109-73 rout of Division III foe Oglethorpe.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra

ABOUT THE CITADEL (1-0): Preston Parks hit five 3-pointers in Friday’s victory, and Matt Frierson added 18 points (on six 3-pointers) – those two combined for 142 made 3-pointers last season. The Bulldogs are one of five teams in Division I that do not have a senior on its roster. Freshman Tariq Simmons enjoyed a strong debut, finishing with eight assists and four steals to go with 15 points.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (1-0): The Hokies actually trailed by one point midway through the first half Friday before building a 10-point halftime advantage, then blew the game open by shooting 59 percent in the second half. Forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. scored a career-high 23 points after missing all of last season with a leg injury. Guard Ahmed Hill tied a career best with nine rebounds to go with 19 points.

TIP-INS

1. The Hokies on Friday scored their most points since beating The Citadel 113-71 last December.

2. Virginia Tech scored 22 points off turnovers in the opener while finishing with 70 points in the paint.

3. After Sunday, the Hokies hit the road for New York and a meeting with Saint Louis in the 2K Classic.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 101, The Citadel 74