TEEL

They scored 12 points during their first four possessions of the period to seize total command at 45-26.

Impressively, Tech's effort never waned, even as the lead ballooned. Indeed, with the score 64-34, All-ACC point guard Justin Robinson went sprawling after a loose ball and called a timeout with 3:45 remaining.

That consistency of effort earned a hand-slap from Tech coach Buzz Williams as the teams went to their respective benches. And it was such consistency that the Hokies lacked in a sleepy opening half.

“Buzz came in (at halftime) and got on us for not playing hard and playing all-star ball,” Hill said. “We wanted to make a statement by coming out, playing hard and getting in transition.”

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Hill hit 3-pointers to start the binge, followed by a Robinson three-point play and another deep jumper by Hill.

Couple those four trips with the close to the first half, and five Hokies combined to score 19 points on seven seamless possessions.

“When we get in that rhythm,” Outlaw said, “that is what our coaches built this team to look like.”

Tech shot 53.6 percent in the second half to Saint Francis' 20.7. The disparity was far more jarring from beyond the 3-point arc after intermission as the Hokies went 8 of 14, the Red Flash 0 for 11.

Virginia Tech ranks seventh nationally in offensive efficiency, and Saturday was a glimpse of its potential.

The competition did not approach what the Hokies faced while defeating Ball State, Northeastern and Purdue to win the Charleston Classic last week in South Carolina, but the best teams excel even when the foe is a notch below.

As is often the case, the lone downside for Tech was rebounding. Saint Francis had 16 offensive rebounds, 10 in the first half, and five of its 15 field goals were on second chances.