LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sean Pedulla scored 15 points to lead five in double figures, and Virginia Tech jumped out early and cruised to an 80-64 victory over Louisville on Tuesday night.
MJ Collins and Tyler Nickel made three 3-pointers apiece and scored 13 points each for Virginia Tech (17-13, 9-10 ACC). Robbie Beran made four 3-pointers and finished with 12 points. Lynn Kidd scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Collins and Pedulla each scored 11 points and Beran chipped in with nine as the Hokies shot 53% (17 of 32) in the first half and led 49-31 at the break. The Hokies opened on a 17-4 run and never trailed, leading by as many as 19 points early in the second half.
Brandon Huntley-Hatfield made a layup to pull Louisville within 74-64 with 3:24 remaining but didn't get closer. The Cardinals missed their last four shots, all from long range.
Virginia Tech (17-13, 9-10 ACC), which entered having beat Wake Forest 87-76, has won consecutive games for the first time since a three-game win streak in January. The Hokies have won four straight against Louisville (8-22, 3-16).
Huntley-Hatfield scored 19 points to lead the Cardinals, who have lost six straight games. Mike James added 16 points and Ty-Laur Johnson scored 10.
Each team hosts games on Saturday to end the regular season. Virginia Tech plays Notre Dame while Louisville takes on Boston College.