Robinson, Alexander-Walker spark Va. Tech’s blowout win

ATLANTA — Virginia Tech coach Buzz Wiliams loves how his team has changed its approach to scouting opponents on the road.

He can only hope it keeps up. The Hokies, at 5-3, have a single-season high in ACC road wins for the first time since joining the league in 2004-05.

“I think they’ve been very disciplined in how they’ve executed it,” Williams said. “Over the last three games it’s just kind of continued to morph and grow and develop. I think it’s a credit to our staff and our kids.”

Justin Robinson scored 18 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 14 and Virginia Tech blew out reeling Georgia Tech 76-56 on Saturday.

Williams rested his starters for most of the second half as the Hokies (19-8, 8-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) dominated both ends of the floor. It was a welcome sight following two tough road games — a stunning upset win at Virginia last weekend and a plodding loss at Duke three nights ago.

Virginia Tech led by 14 at intermission but outscored the Yellow Jackets 21-3 to begin the second half and later led by 35 on P.J. Horne’s jumper with 8:37 remaining. Georgia Tech (11-16, 4-10) has lost five straight and nine of 10 to fall into 13th place in the 15-team ACC. Tadric Jackson scored 17 points and Josh Okogie had 10 for the Jackets, but they weren’t easy points as the two star guards missed a combined 23 of 31 shots from the field.

The game was essentially decided in the first 20 minutes. Virginia Tech, ranked fifth nationally in field-goal percentage, did whatever it pleased against the Jackets’ zone defense, assisting on 14 of 16 baskets before halftime and burying Georgia Tech’s offense after it jumped out to a six-point lead in the first 4 minutes.