Blacksburg, Va. – Western Carolina’s men’s basketball team faced a tough challenge against Virginia Tech, losing 96-74. Marcus Kell led his team with 21 points, showcasing his skills by hitting 7 shots out of 12 and making two three-pointers. Justin Johnson, a sophomore transfer, also contributed significantly, scoring a season-high 16 points.
Graduate transfer Julien Soumaoro added nine points and four assists. Freshman Samuel Dada grabbed seven rebounds, leading the team in that category. Both Tidjiane Dioumassi and Johnson recorded two steals, helping maintain some defensive pressure.
On the opposing side, Neoklis Avdalas dominated for Virginia Tech, scoring a game-high 30 points. He made 10-of-17 shots and was effective from beyond the arc, hitting 4-of-8 three-pointers. Amani Hansberry supported him with 19 points, while Tyler Johnson and Ben Hammond each contributed 13.
Virginia Tech started strong, quickly building an early lead. Despite a brief response from the Catamounts, the Hokies extended their advantage to 11 points within six minutes. The teams exchanged baskets, but Virginia Tech closed the first half with a comfortable 53-34 lead.
After halftime, Virginia Tech kept the momentum going, extending their lead to 25 points early in the second half. Western Carolina fought back with a run that cut the deficit to 16, but they couldn’t overcome the gap, finishing the game 22 points behind.
In terms of shooting, the Catamounts managed 42.1% from the floor, hitting eight three-pointers at a 40% rate. Virginia Tech shot impressively at 53.1%, including a staggering 57.6% in the first half. The Hokies also excelled beyond the arc, making 13 shots at a rate of 48.1%.
Rebounding was tight, with Virginia Tech taking a slight edge at 36-34. Both teams struggled with turnovers, but the Catamounts managed to score slightly more off the Hokies’ mistakes.
Looking ahead, Western Carolina, now at 4-6, will head to Georgia on December 18. The Bulldogs are currently receiving applause in various polls, suggesting a competitive matchup.
As fans, it’s exciting to watch how the team evolves throughout the season. Their resilience against a strong opponent like Virginia Tech hints at growth and potential moving forward. For updates, Western Carolina fans can follow the team’s journey on social media platforms.
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