BLACKSBURG, Va. – Despite trailing by as little as six with under a minute to play, the VMI basketball team's rally came up a little short as host Virginia Tech escaped with a 64-55 victory over the Keydets Saturday afternoon at Cassell Coliseum.
 
VMI (5-8, 0-1) trailed by a 26-18 count at the half but fought valiantly in the second half and scored 37 points in the second to never allow the Hokies to pull away.
 
The Keydets were not granted a single free throw in the entire 40 minutes of competition, marking the first time that has happened in a game since Southern Conference realignment in 1954. VMI also committed 22 turnovers, a season high, after averaging only 11.1 per game on the young season.
 
"Credit Virginia Tech," said VMI head coach Dan Earl. "They made it tough on us defensively. I thought we handled the physicality of an ACC team better after the half and certainly made some shots as well. Travis (Evee) and Kamdyn (Curfman) made shots, but we have be able to withstand the physicality and do it early in the game.
 
"Some of our turnovers we had were uncharacteristic. We pride ourselves in taking care of the basketball. Credit Virginia Tech defensively, but we have to be more solid throughout. I thought we played hard but we weren't as precise and didn't execute as sharp as we needed to. We have a lot to build on, but we have to be strong throughout."
 
For the third consecutive game freshman Travis Evee led the Keydets with 20 points for the afternoon as he converted five threes, matching the five he scored against Stetson two weeks ago. Fellow freshman Kamdyn Curfman also matched his season high of six three-pointers as he last accomplished the feat against Idaho back on Nov. 15. He finished with 15 points during the game.
 
Hunter Cattoor led Virginia Tech with 14 points on the afternoon while Isaiah Wilkins finished with 13.
 
The Keydets take next week off before returning to action on Sunday, Dec. 29 on the road at USC Upstate for the final non-conference matchup of the season.