5 things to know about Virginia Tech men's baskeball: Ohio State second-round NIT opponent
Ohio State is heading to the second round of the NIT.
After an 88-83 win against Cornell Tuesday night, the two-seeded Buckeyes will host Virginia Tech in the second round of the NIT at 7 p.m. Saturday at Value City Arena.
Ohio State has played in 10 editions of the tournament. The 2024 tournament is the Buckeyes' first since 2016 when they lost to Florida in the second round. Ohio State are two-time NIT champions in 1986 and 2008.
Here's a look at Ohio State's second-round opponent ahead of Saturday's tip off.
More Ohio State sports: In season with regrets, Ohio State enters NIT with hopes of winning a championship
Virginia Tech NIT: How did the Hokies do in the first round?
A dominant second half gave Virginia Tech its first-round win against Richmond, beating the Spiders 74-58. After making 41.9% of its 31 shot attempts in the first half, the Hokies made 13 of 23 shot attempts in the second, including four-of-six attempts from 3.
Senior center Lynn Kidd led Virginia Tech with 20 points, making nine of his 10 attempts from the field. He also had eight rebounds. Sophomore guard MJ Collins made four of six 3-point attempts and finished with 15 points.
Virginia Tech limited Richmond to a 37.7% shooting percentage.
Tuesday was Virginia Tech's first NIT win since 2016.
Virginia Tech finished in the middle of the ACC in 2023-24
While Virginia Tech finished with a 19-14 overall record, the Hokies still finished in the middle of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Hokies were one of two teams, along with Florida State, to finish with a 10-10 record in ACC play. While Virginia Tech won 15 of its 17 games in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Hokies only won twice in 11 road games, both of which were in conference play.
Virginia Tech has not finished higher than seventh in the ACC since the 2020-21 season.
Virginia Tech stats: Who could lead the Hokies in scoring vs. Ohio State?
Virginia Tech has three players that average more than 10 points per game.
Junior guard Sean Pedulla, a third-team All-ACC team member, leads the Hokies with 16.4 points per game, making 42.5% of his 12.6 shot attempts per game.
Redshirt senior guard Hunter Cattoor (13.4) and Kidd (13.2) are also among Virginia Tech's team leaders in points scored.
Virginia Tech vs. Ohio State: When did the Hokies last face Ohio State?
Saturday will be Ohio State's first meeting against Virginia Tech since Nov. 28, 2005. The Buckeyes beat the Hokies 69-59 at Value City Arena.
Virginia Tech holds the series lead against Ohio State, winning four of six total meetings.
Here's a look at Ohio State's history against Virginia Tech:
Dec. 18, 1972: Virginia Tech 67, Ohio State 62
Dec. 17, 1973: Virginia Tech 68, Ohio State 67
Dec. 18, 1974: Virginia Tech 72, Ohio State 71
Dec. 4, 1976: Virginia Tech 84, Ohio State 77
Dec. 6, 2003: Ohio State 62, Virginia Tech 57
Nov. 28, 2005: Ohio State 69, Virginia Tech 56
Virginia Tech NIT history
2023-24 is not Virginia Tech's first experience in the NIT.
The Hokies have played in 15 editions of the tournament. They have compiled 25 wins in 37 NIT games and have won the tournament twice: 1973 and 1995.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know about Virginia Tech before facing Ohio State in 2024 NIT
