BLACKSBURG, Va. (Interstat) — Neoklis Avdalas scored 30 points and Virginia Tech used a dominant first half to cruise past Western Carolina 96-74 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Cassell Coliseum.

The Hokies, improving to 9-2, built a 19-point halftime lead behind a blistering offensive display and never let the Catamounts (4-6) within striking distance in the second half. Virginia Tech shot 53% from the field and 48% from 3-point range for the game, while Western Carolina struggled with consistency, shooting 42% overall and missing 12 free throws.

The most important stretch of the game came early, as Virginia Tech established immediate control. After a sloppy start from both teams, the Hokies ignited a 12-0 run midway through the first half to turn a 10-7 lead into a 22-7 advantage. The surge was fueled by defensive pressure, which forced three Western Carolina turnovers in a two-minute span, and efficient scoring from Avdalas and Amani Hansberry. The Catamounts never recovered from the early deficit, as Virginia Tech continued to connect from deep, hitting eight first-half 3-pointers to take a 53-34 lead into the break.

Avdalas, a 6-foot-8 guard from Greece, was the catalyst, hitting 5 of 10 from 3-point range and adding two assists and two blocks in 33 minutes. His performance marked a significant scoring surge after averaging just nine points over his previous three games.

Hansberry provided strong support with 18 points and six assists. Tyler Johnson scored 13 points, Ben Hammond added 13 off the bench and Jaden Schutt chipped in 10 for a balanced Hokies attack that saw five players reach double figures.

Western Carolina was led by Marcus Kell’s 22 points and Justin Johnson’s 15. Julien Soumaoro had nine points and four assists, but the Catamounts were hampered by 14 turnovers and an inability to slow Virginia Tech’s offensive rhythm, which posted an efficiency rating of 124.8 points per 100 possessions.

Virginia Tech’s interior defense was also a factor, recording eight blocks and altering numerous other attempts. The Hokies outscored Western Carolina 42-26 in the paint and converted 11 Catamount turnovers into 15 points.

The game drew an announced crowd of 4,288.

Western Carolina heads to Georgia next Thursday. Virginia Tech hosts Maryland-Eastern Shore on Sunday.