The Virginia Tech Hokies have continued their impressive streak at Cassell Coliseum, securing a 96-74 victory over Western Carolina with Neoklis Avdalas leading the charge with 30 points. This win marks the Hokies’ sixth consecutive home victory this season.
Avdalas was instrumental in maintaining the lead, sinking four 3-pointers and delivering pivotal plays throughout the game. His scoring prowess was evident as he thwarted Western Carolina’s attempts to close the gap, including crucial baskets early in the second half that extended the Hokies’ advantage to 59-37. A jumper and a free throw at the 12:50 mark kept the lead at 67-46, and a 3-pointer with 5:36 left solidified an 80-58 cushion.
For Western Carolina, Marcus Kell was the standout performer, scoring 22 points, with 15 coming after the break. Justin Johnson contributed 15 points and hit a significant 3-pointer that briefly reduced the deficit to 67-49 before Virginia Tech regained their momentum.
Tyler Johnson also shone for Virginia Tech, adding 13 points and a crucial 3-pointer at 10:41, which widened their lead to 71-51. Amani Hansberry played a versatile game, recording 18 points, six assists, four steals, and six rebounds.
No. 4 Iowa State 66, Iowa 62
In Ames, the Iowa State Cyclones maintained their perfect record at 10-0, overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat the Iowa Hawkeyes 66-62. Joshua Jefferson led the Cyclones with 24 points, helping them secure a third consecutive victory in the CyHawk Series.
Despite a slow start, Iowa State found their rhythm with a 19-0 run spanning both halves, which shifted the momentum in their favor. Tamin Lipsey contributed 14 points and four assists, while Milan Momcilovic added eight of his 10 points in the second half. For the Hawkeyes, Tavion Banks topped the scoring with 14 points, with Bennett Stirtz and Cam Manyawu each adding 10.
Syracuse 71, Saint Joseph’s 63
At the Carrier Dome, Syracuse secured a 71-63 win over Saint Joseph’s, fueled by William Kyle III’s 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. Tyler Betsey, coming off the bench, scored 16 points, while Nate Kingz added 14. A decisive layup by Kiyan Anthony gave Syracuse a 45-43 lead with 12:50 left, which they maintained to the end.
Saint Joseph’s Deuce Jones impressed with 18 points, four steals, five assists, and seven rebounds.
Women
No. 9 Oklahoma 103, Little Rock 48
Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers was a dominant force in their 103-48 victory over Little Rock in Norman. Beers, who has now surpassed 1,000 career rebounds, recorded 26 points and 15 rebounds. The senior center, in her second season with Oklahoma after transferring from Oregon State, made 10 of 16 field goals and also contributed five assists in just 23 minutes of play.
Freshman Aaliyah Chavez was efficient in her performance, scoring 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting for the Sooners.
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