How to watch Virginia Tech Hokies (9-1) at Kentucky Wildcats (8-1)
Location: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
When: Dec. 16, 2017
Start Time: 2 pm EST
TV: ESPN2
Online Stream: WatchESPN and the WatchESPN App.
Replay: WatchESPN or on UK Basketball Live.
Rosters: Kentucky | Virginia Tech
Odds: The Cats opened as a 5-point favorite, but KenPom projected them to be a 6.5-point favorite and gives the Cats a 72-percent chance of winning.
Predictions: ESPN’s Power Index gives the Hokies an 51.9% percent chance to win. However, KenPom thinks Kentucky wins by an 81-74 margin.
For many years, if the name Virginia Tech was mentioned, the initial thought was a high-powered football team capable of scoring in bunches and a strong defense led by longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster.
While this remains true for the gridiron Hokies. their basketball brethren in Blacksburg are putting up points in bunches led by head coach Buzz Williams.
The Hokies are off to a 9-1 start to the season and will invade Rupp Arena to face the Kentucky Wildcats in a 2 pm tilt Sunday.
Virginia Tech has been one of the hottest offenses in the country, averaging 96.2 points per game, topping the century mark on three occasions and the 90 point plateau in four others.
The Hokie offense features a balanced scoring attack with four players in double figures, led by Justin Bibbs (17.5), Ahmed Hill (16.6), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (14.4), and Kerry Blackshear Jr. (13.0). Six other players average between 4 and 9.9 points as well.
If the Cats are to win, they have to defend well, especially the three point shot. The Hokies have shot the ball well all season long. Tech is shooting 55% from the field, and a smoking 46% from the three-point line.
Controlling the glass is also important for the Cats success Sunday. Virginia Tech rebounds the ball well, averaging 38 rebounds per game. The Hokies leading rebounder is Blackshear Jr. at 7.1 per contest.
The Hokies have also had success with a couple of SEC schools with victories over South Carolina (86-67) and Ole Miss (83-80 in OT). They have also defeated Morehead State 96-63 this year.