The Hokies (5-1) will face their first true test of the season as they host Iowa in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Last season, Virginia Tech got a big non-conference win against Michigan in this competition which surely helped their NCAA tournament case. This year’s challenge provides another opportunity to replicate that result. The Hawkeyes travel to Blacksburg with a 4-2 record, with losses to South Dakota State and Louisiana-Lafayette - so losing to inferior opponents is something they have in common with the Hokies this season.
Iowa’s strength thus far has been scoring the basketball. Averaging 85 PPG, the Hawkeyes are scoring at a 50.