Virginia Tech vies to shore up defense vs. UMES

Field Level Media|published: Sat 13th December, 13:12 2025

Dec 2, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Ben Hammond (3) drives around South Carolina Gamecocks guard Eli Ellis (15) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Virginia Tech has put up big offensive numbers, particularly in home games.

The Hokies look to do it again when Maryland Eastern Shore visits Sunday afternoon at Blacksburg, Va.

Virginia Tech (9-2), which has won three in a row, is unleashing various forms of offense. The Hokies have eclipsed the 90-point mark in three home games.

Improved defense is now a priority for Virginia Tech coach Mike Young.

"We're 11 games in now," he said. "We've got to get better on that end. We're still not rebounding to the level that we need to, and it's going to cost us. ... We've got to put a bigger emphasis on the defensive end and on the glass."

Neo Avdalas reached the 30-point mark for the second time this season Thursday night when the Hokies blasted Western Carolina 96-74.

Jaden Schutt has reached a double-figure point total in five consecutive games. Schutt is the only team member with at least one 3-point basket in every game this season.

The Hokies racked up 13 made shots from 3-point range against Western Carolina.

"The team has shot the ball well," Young said. "Our shot selection overall has been good."

Maryland Eastern Shore (4-10) has a quick turnaround following Friday night's 82-79 loss at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, N.C. That result came as the Hawks were unable to protect a 14-point lead and suffered their fourth loss in a row despite Jaden Cooper's 20 points.

Sunday will be the Hawks' third game in six days, a stretch that began with Tuesday's 84-60 loss at No. 24 Virginia.

"We continue to look for guys who can take care of the ball under pressure and buy into the system of play," Maryland Eastern Shore coach Cleo Hill Jr. said. "Right now, we have a rotation of about 14 guys. As the season progresses, I don't intend to go that deep, but we want to continue to give guys opportunities and get a look at what each player does well against a quality opponent."

The Hawks will rely on a variety of sources, particularly if fatigue sets in.

"We do have some good depth on the bench," Hill said.

--Field Level Media

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