Virginia Tech Pulls Away From Mercer for 96-67 Win

Virginia Tech surged past Mercer for a 96-67 men’s basketball victory in Blacksburg on November 5, moving to 2-0. The Hokies turned an 18-13 lead into a commanding advantage by outscoring Mercer 21-1. Hansberry put up seven points in that span, and Butta Johnson’s three-pointer made it 39-14 with 6:04 remaining in the first half.

Hansberry finished with 23 points, nine field goals on 13 attempts, five rebounds and three assists. Ben Hammond added 16 points, dished out four assists and came away with five steals. Jaylen Curry recorded 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Tyler Johnson added eight points and grabbed nine boards, the most on Virginia Tech. Mercer’s KJ Lamonte paced the Bears with 21 points, along with five assists and four rebounds; Karon Boyd had 12 points.

Virginia Tech made 34 of 70 shots, a 48.6% rate, and gave the ball away four times. Mercer shot 40.7% and committed 18 turnovers. The Hokies also found success inside after an initially cold start from long range, making 26 of 48 attempts from inside the arc. Virginia Tech hosts Iowa on Tuesday, while Mercer visits Davidson on Saturday.