New-look Virginia Tech, South Carolina Upstate set to clash

Coming off victories against overmatched foes, Virginia Tech and visiting South Carolina Upstate enter their Friday matchup hoping to finish up their first week on a modest winning streak.Virginia Tech (1-0) of the ACC and South Carolina Upstate (1-1) of the Big South have reconfigured rosters, each with new starting lineups.The Hokies graduated one starter from last year, while the other four departed via the transfer portal. Meanwhile, the Spartans have only one player back from last year and a new coach in Marty Richter.Both teams are seeking cohesion. Each committed 16 turnovers in their wins.Virginia Tech is coming off an 83-60 home win over Delaware State on Monday, led by VCU transfer Toibu Lawal’s 23 points and eight rebounds.A slimmed-down Mylyjael Poteat tallied 14 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Jaydon Young scored 13 points for the Hokies, who led all the way but had trouble shaking the Hornets.Delaware State trailed by 18 in the first half but whittled the deficit to 49-43 with about 14 minutes left in the game before Virginia Tech scored eight straight to resume command.”There are some constants around here. There are some non-negotiables around here. Transition defense is one of them,” Virginia Tech coach Mike Young said. “You cannot give up 3s. You cannot give up lay-ins.”

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