Berkeley, Ca. — Two new conference opponents are playing each other for the first time. Despite the long history of Cal and Virginia Tech’s men’s basketball programs, they have never played before today’s matchup, and their first game against each other will ironically be a conference matchup.
Virginia Tech is coming off another game against a new West Coast conference opponent. The Hokies faced off against Stanford in Maples Pavillion for the first time as an ACC opponent. After an admittedly strong first half from Virginia Tech, the Cardinal jumped on the Hokies in the second half and Stanford won 70-59.
Toibu Lawal was always available under the rim, scoring 15 points with plenty of them coming as impressive inside-the-paint scores. Lawal had two showtime dunks and one insane reverse layup to keep the Hokies in the game. Lawal has shown on plenty of occasions why he is one of the most athletic players in basketball, not just college basketball. Lawal has a 49.5-inch vertical and can throw it down with absolute authority. In a Virginia Tech offense that tends to have a different highing scorer in each game, Lawal remains consistent. He doesn’t need to be the No. 1 option, but his athleticism keeps the Hokies in the game…