Virginia Tech’s balanced scoring attack topples Wake Forest

Neoklis Avdalas and Tobi Lawal each pumped in 17 points, as six Virginia Tech players recorded double-digit scoring totals in an 82-63 victory against Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon at Blacksburg, Va.

Amani Hansberry's 13 points and Ben Hammond's 12 points were also a boost, as the Hokies avenged a road loss from last month and secured a much-needed result in an effort to revive their postseason resume. Christian Gurdak, who went 5-for-5 from the floor, and Jailen Bedford both posted 10 points.

Virginia Tech (18-10, 7-8 Atlantic Coast Conference) won for only the second time in a six-game stretch. It was Hokies' highest single-game point total in their last nine contests.

It marked the end of a three-game winning streak for Wake Forest (14-13, 5-9), which shot 6-for-30 on 3-point attempts -- missing 14 in a row from long range during one juncture. Juke Harris, who was 2-for-10 on 3s, paced the Demon Deacons with 16 points. Tre'Von Spillers had 12 points, and Cooper Schwieger provided 10 points.

Wake Forest was held to its lowest point total since its Dec. 31 loss at North Carolina State.

Avdalas hit four 3-point shots as one of four Virginia Tech players with multiple 3-point baskets. Lawal pulled in nine rebounds. The Hokies, who shot 50.8% from the field, were charged with only five turnovers.

Avdalas and Hansberry hit 3-point shots on consecutive possessions as Virginia Tech built a 58-45 lead with 12 minutes to play. The Hokies kept pouring it only and extended the margin to 71-52.

Virginia Tech made seven 3-point shots in the first half and, boosted by a 9-0 run, held 43-33 at halftime after leading by as many as 14.

Wake Forest had to deal with moderate foul trouble; Sebastian Akins and Spillers each had three early in the second half.