Sunday’s early Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams saw sophomore MJ Collins come off the bench to score a career-high 20 points, helping Virginia Tech hold off Louisville 75-68.
Collins completed 5 of 10 shots for the Hokies (6-3), making all three of his 3-pointers and all seven of his free throws. Four rebounds and four assists were added by him. Hunter Cattoor scored 12 points, while Lynn Kidd scored 19 points on 8 of 13 shots.
With 16 points, Skyy Clark led the Cardinals (4-4). At the end, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield had nine rebounds and 14 points. Tre White, Mike James, and Ty-Laur Johnson, a rookie reserve, all scored ten points apiece. White finished with three steals, four assists, and nine rebounds, while James contributed four assists as well.
James scored ten points and made two 3-pointers to help Louisville lead 31–30 at the half. Virginia Tech was kept close by eight points each from Kidd and Cattoor.
Kidd gave Virginia Tech the lead with six points during an 8-0 run to start the second half. After a strong comeback, Louisville closed the gap to 67-66 with 1:58 left thanks to two free throws from Huntley-Hatfield. From that point on, the Hokies converted 8 of 10 foul shots to secure the win.
