BLACKSBURG, Va. (Interstat) — In a game defined by trips to the free-throw line, Virginia Tech remained undefeated Sunday by outlasting a persistent Charlotte team 84 to 76 at a raucous Cassell Coliseum.

The Hokies improved to 4-0, while the 49ers evened their record at 2-2.

The difference in the contest was stark at the charity stripe. Virginia Tech capitalized on its opportunities, converting 30 of 36 free throws. Charlotte, by contrast, struggled significantly, making only 15 of 24 from the line. This 15-point disparity at the foul line proved insurmountable for the visiting 49ers despite a more competitive performance from the field.

Virginia Tech’s efficiency was the story of the game. While both teams had nearly identical field goal percentages, the Hokies scored their 84 points on just 66 possessions, translating to an elite offensive rating of 127.1. Charlotte, which scored 76 points, required 69 possessions for an offensive rating of 109.5. The Hokies also protected the ball better, committing only five turnovers compared to Charlotte’s eight, leading to a 15-7 advantage in points off turnovers.

Tobi Lawal was the engine for Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-8 forward from London, England, dominated the interior, posting a monster double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds to go with three blocks in 36 minutes of action. His presence on both ends was a constant challenge for Charlotte.

He was complemented superbly by guard Jailen Bedford, who poured in a game-high 21 points. The Austin, Texas, native was efficient from deep, hitting three 3-pointers, and was a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.

Charlotte was led by a formidable frontcourt duo of its own. Anton Bonke, the 7-foot-2 center from Port Vila, Vanuatu, recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in just 24 minutes, also blocking two shots. His fellow big man, Kuluel Mading, provided a crucial spark off the bench, scoring 12 points on efficient shooting.

In the backcourt, Damoni Harrison led the 49ers with 18 points, while Ben Bradford added 15 points and six rebounds. Dezayne Mingo facilitated the offense with a team-high four assists to go with his 10 points.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair that saw Virginia Tech take a 44-32 lead into the break. The Hokies built their advantage by closing the period on a 5-0 run, all from the free-throw line, after Charlotte had pulled within seven points.

Charlotte refused to capitulate in the second half, outscoring Virginia Tech 44-40 after halftime. The 49ers chipped away at the lead multiple times, using runs to keep the pressure on the Hokies. A key sequence came late in the game when Charlotte, trailing by eight, forced a turnover and scored to cut the deficit to six with under a minute remaining.

However, Virginia Tech’s composure at the free-throw line sealed the victory. In the final minutes, the Hokies consistently converted their foul shots to keep Charlotte at arm’s length, never allowing the lead to shrink to a single possession.

Beyond the starring performances, Virginia Tech received timely contributions. Jaden Schutt scored 12 points, all from beyond the arc, and Amani Hansberry chipped in nine points and five rebounds. For Charlotte, the 30-24 advantage in points in the paint and 13 offensive rebounds highlighted their effort to battle inside against Lawal and the Hokies’ physical defense.

The announced attendance was 5,295. Virginia Tech will look to continue its winning streak when it hosts Bryant on Wednesday. Charlotte, meanwhile, will hit the road for its next contest, facing Appalachian State on Friday.