Hokies defeat Lobos, 92-72

Justin Robinson has career day in Tech victory at Wooden Legacy

November 24, 2016

FULLERTON, Calif. – Virginia Tech used hot shooting and outstanding ball distribution to hand New Mexico its first loss of the season, a 92-72 Tech victory in the first round of the Wooden Legacy at Titan Gym in Fullerton, California on Thursday afternoon.

The Hokies, now 4-0 on the season, shot 50 percent from the field, including 59.3 percent in the second half. Tech also had 20 assists on 31 made baskets and shot a scorching 95 percent from the line and 45.8 percent from behind the arc. With the loss, the Lobos fall to 3-1 on the season.

The game was close through much of the first half and was tied at 23-23 with 8:28 remaining in the half. Tech then scored the next nine points and when Ahmed Hill scored with 4:27 remaining before intermission, Tech held a 32-23 lead. From there, the rest of the half was primarily trading baskets and when Justin Robinson made a three pointer in the final second, Tech took a 44-36 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, Tech really warmed up from the field, making 16 of 27 field goal attempts. The Lobos were able to keep it within shouting distance until the Hokies went on a 34-11 run between the 11:38 and the 3:11 mark. From there, the Hokies never led by less than 20 points and took the final, 92-72.

Robinson recorded a career-game for the Hokies. He scored a career-high 22 points and tied a career-high with eight assists in his 40 minutes of action, all while not committing a turnover. He led four Hokies in double figures. Ahmed Hill added 18 points, Zach LeDay scored 16 points off the bench and Justin Bibbs chipped in with 13 points. Freshman post player Khadim Sy scored four points and pulled down a career-best 10 rebounds in the win.

New Mexico was led by Tim Williams with 19 points, while Elijah Brown scored 16 points and Jordan Hunter added 10 points. Tech won the battle on the glass, 35-31 and forced the Lobos into 11 turnovers.

The Hokies return to action on Friday afternoon, as they will play Texas A&M in the second round of the tournament. Game time is 5:30 p.m. ET and will be televised live on ESPN2.

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