BLACKSBURG, Va. — Mylyjael Poteat and Brandon Rechsteiner each put up 19 points, leading Virginia Tech to a 93-74 triumph over South Carolina Upstate on Friday evening.

In a strong showing, freshman Tyler Johnson contributed 16 points, while Jaydon Young added 14 points to the scoreboard. Additionally, Toibu Lawal and Jaden Schutt both chipped in with 10 points for the Hokies, who improved to 2-0 for the season.

On the other side, the Spartans (1-1) were paced by Carmelo Adkins, who netted 20 points, alongside freshman Mister Dean, who scored 18 points and Karmani Gregory with 15 points.

Virginia Tech headed into halftime with a slim lead of 37-32 and started the second half strong, going on an 11-5 run in the first 3:55 to stretch their lead to 48-37.

Just under 13 minutes remaining in the game, Daniel Helterhoff of USC Upstate hit a three-pointer that brought the Spartans within six points at 56-50. However, Young quickly responded with a three of his own, followed by Rechsteiner’s layup, and Poteat’s two successful free throws, pushing the Hokies’ advantage to 63-59. Virginia Tech managed to maintain a double-digit lead for the remainder of the contest.

The Spartans got off to a fast start, outpacing Virginia Tech 16-2 in the first 6 and a half minutes of play. Nevertheless, the Hokies swiftly mounted a comeback, ending the first half with a five-point advantage. Helterhoff’s jumper with 2:06 remaining in the first half was the final time USC Upstate led, at 30-28.

Historically, Virginia Tech holds a 3-1 record against USC Upstate.