LeDay carries Hokies past Maine 80-67 in season opener

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Zach LeDay scored 20 points off the bench to lead Virginia Tech to an 80-67 win over Maine on Friday.

LeDay led a balanced attack for the Hokies (1-0), who had four players in double figures. He hit 8 of 13 from the floor and grabbed 12 rebounds for his 13th career double-double.

Ahmed Hill, who missed last season with a knee injury, scored 14 points in his return, while Justin Robinson had 13 and Chris Clarke finished with 12.

Wes Myers was the lone player in double figures for Maine (0-1), finishing with 17 points.

Despite size and experience advantages, Virginia Tech didn't put away the Black Bears until midway through the second half. The Hokies led by eight with around 17 minutes remaining before going on a 15-2 run that was powered by LeDay's six points. Maine got no closer than the final margin.

The Hokies, taller and stronger at virtually every position, finished with a 44-36 rebounding advantage.

BIG PICTURE

Maine: The Black Bears, picked to finish last in the America East, could be in for a long season after losing seven players off last season's team - five with eligibility remaining. Seven newcomers joined the program for this season.

Virginia Tech: The Hokies expect to be a deeper team with 85 percent of their scoring and rebounding returning. Their depth showed, as head coach Buzz Williams played 10 players - and eight of them scored.

UP NEXT

The Black Bears will remain in Virginia, traveling to Farmville to take on Longwood on Sunday in what will be the second of five straight road games to start the season.

The Hokies play the second of three straight home games to open the season next Tuesday when they take on High Point.