MONVILLE, Conn. (Interstat) — In a high-octane, back-and-forth offensive showcase, Virginia Tech outlasted Providence 107-101 in overtime Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena, handing the Friars their first loss of the young season.

The game was a tale of two halves and an extra period, with both teams trading blows before the Hokies pulled away in the final five minutes. Providence, which led 46-40 at halftime, saw its advantage erased as Virginia Tech mounted a 46-40 second-half run of its own to force overtime tied at 86.

Once in the extra session, Virginia Tech’s offense proved unstoppable, outscoring the Friars 21-15 to secure the victory and improve to 2-0. Providence fell to 1-1.

The Hokies were led by a spectacular performance from Neoklis Avdalas. The 6-foot-8 guard from Kalamata, Greece, poured in 33 points, dished out six assists and came up with a critical steal in the final minute of overtime to help seal the win. He was one of five Hokies to score in double figures, supported by Jailen Bedford with 18 points, Amani Hansberry with 17, Tyler Johnson with 12 and Jaden Schutt with 10.

Providence’s offense was equally potent, fueled by the high-scoring duo of Jason Edwards and Jaylin Sellers. Edwards, a guard from Atlanta, scored 28 points and added four assists. Sellers, from Columbus, Georgia, contributed 26 points. They received significant support from Stefan Vaaks of Tabasalu, Estonia, who scored 17 points, and freshman big man Oswin Erhunmwunse from Benin City, Nigeria, who chipped in 11 points and recorded four blocks.

The game was characterized by efficient offense from both sides. Virginia Tech shot 50.6% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range. Providence was not far behind, shooting 44.7% overall and 33.3% from deep. The Friars were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 22 of 25 attempts, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Hokies’ balanced attack.

Defensively, Virginia Tech created more opportunities, scoring 20 points off 13 Providence turnovers, compared to the Friars’ 12 points off 11 Hokie turnovers. Virginia Tech also held a slight edge in assists, steals, and blocks, illustrating a slightly more complete performance on both ends of the floor.

The victory gives Virginia Tech momentum heading into a Wednesday home game against Saint Joseph’s. Providence will look to rebound quickly when it hosts Penn on Tuesday.