Three Power Four Tests Make Five November Games Reveal Whether Virginia Tech Hoops Fixed Weaknesses
Iowa Sets An Early Standard
Virginia Tech’s first major test is against Iowa in Sioux City. The Hawkeyes went 24-13 last season and reached the Elite Eight, beating defending national champion Florida along the way.
The matchup will test whether the Hokies can sustain efficient offense against a high-major team. They will need more than individual scoring efforts to show progress.
Richmond Tests Game Control
Back at Cassell Coliseum, Virginia Tech meets Richmond in an in-state game that can show whether it handles opponents it is expected to beat. The Spiders finished 15-17 last season.
The Hokies will need discipline at both ends, limiting careless turnovers, communicating on defense and maintaining intensity throughout the game. Controlling the matchup would show improvement beyond simply winning.
Charleston Challenges The Defense
Virginia Tech opens its Charleston Classic run against Northwestern. Last season, the Hokies went 2-3 at neutral sites, including back-to-back losses to Saint Mary’s and VCU in the Battle 4 Atlantis.
Defensive rebounding is a key concern. Controlling the glass against Northwestern would give Virginia Tech a better chance to earn a valuable neutral-site win.
Oklahoma State Brings A Quick Turnaround
Two days after facing Northwestern, Virginia Tech plays Oklahoma State in its second Charleston Classic game. The short break will test the team’s defensive focus and energy without several days to prepare.
The Hokies finished 3-7 in true road games and 2-3 at neutral sites last season. They will need to prevent a difficult performance in the opener from carrying into the next game.
Old Dominion Tests Consistency
Virginia Tech ends November against Old Dominion, another in-state opponent. The Monarchs went 12-21 last season, and the Hokies will be expected to win. After three straight games against Power Four competition, Virginia Tech must avoid overlooking Old Dominion and bring the same intensity it showed against stronger teams.
Key points
- Virginia Tech has eight November games, including three against Power Four opponents.
- The schedule tests defense, rebounding, offensive execution and the ability to finish games.
- The Hokies went 2-3 at neutral sites and 3-7 in true road games last season.
- Iowa, Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Richmond and Old Dominion are among the key November opponents.