Virginia Tech out to KO the TOs vs. Jacksonville

Field Level Media|published: Tue 19th November, 14:12 2024

Nov 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Mylyjael Poteat (34) takes a shot over Penn State Nittany Lions guard Nick Kern Jr. (3) during the first half at CFG Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Coming off their first loss of the season, Virginia Tech returns home to Blacksburg, Va., to play Jacksonville Wednesday night in the first meeting between the two schools since 1986.

The Hokies (3-1) are undefeated at home after topping Delaware State, South Carolina Upstate and Winthrop over an eight-day span earlier this month. However, Virginia Tech will be in rebound mode after their lopsided setback to Penn State in Baltimore on Friday.

Head coach Mike Young's team, picked to finish 14th in the Atlantic Coast Conference preseason poll, committed 24 turnovers during an 86-64 neutral-site loss at the Hall of Fame Series. Virginia Tech never led as the experienced Nittany Lions raced out to a 15-2 lead and didn't look back.

The 24 turnovers represented Virginia Tech's highest total since the Hokies had 25 against West Virginia in 2014.

"I'm not sure I've had 24 turnovers in my career, but we did tonight," Young said. "We will get back home and we'll look at it and get better. We'll grow from obviously a tough night."

Mylyjael Poteat scored 15 points for the Hokies, who went 5-of-18 shooting from 3-point range. VCU transfer Tobi Lawal (nine rebounds) also made it four straight games with at least eight boards.

Jacksonville (2-2) evened its overall record with a 71-62 home win over South Carolina State last Thursday. Unlike Virginia Tech, the Dolphins overcame 24 turnovers thanks to a 12-4 run over the final 3:18.

Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Player of the Year Robert McCray V had nine points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and two of Jacksonville's eight blocks. Zach Bell contributed 18 points and eight rebounds.

Chris Arias, a 6-foot-6 freshman from nearby Providence School in Jacksonville, sizzled with a career-high 19 points and five 3-pointers in 24 minutes off the bench.

"(Arias) has an unbelievable ability to help us in so many ways," Dolphins head coach Jordan Mincy said. "I am just so proud of him and the effort he gave."

--Field Level Media

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