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Virginia Tech vs Charleston Southern Week 1 Betting Preview
Virginia Tech opens its 2025-26 season Monday night at Cassell Coliseum against Charleston Southern, looking to rebuild after a 13-19 campaign. The Hokies haven’t reached the NCAA Tournament since 2022, but coach Mike Young believes his roster overhaul gives them “the right ingredients” to turn things around.
Four rotation players return, led by Tobi Lawal (12.4 points, 7.0 rebounds per game) and sharpshooter Ben Hammond, who hit 50 percent from deep. Transfer additions include Amani Hansberry from West Virginia and guards Jailen Bedford (UNLV) and Izaiah Pasha (Delaware). Freshman forward Christian Gurdak and Greek guard Neoklis Avdalas headline a promising group of newcomers.
Charleston Southern enters the season picked seventh in the Big South preseason poll. Coach Saah Nimley returns only three players but welcomes transfers Brycen Blaine and Luke Williams, both double-digit scorers at their previous programs. Guard A’lahn Sumler, who averaged 14.2 points in 2023-24 before an injury, returns as the Buccaneers’ top threat.
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest college basketball odds, Virginia Tech opened around -22.5 with a total of 144.5. Early action has leaned toward the Hokies, though some sharper money has backed Charleston Southern at +23.
Moneyline odds list Virginia Tech near -5000, while the Buccaneers sit around +1400. The total has inched up a point from open, signaling bettors expect an up-tempo game from a new-look Hokies offense.
To track the most recent movements, check the college basketball picks and live lines
Matchup Breakdown
Virginia Tech Outlook:
The Hokies’ frontcourt depth should overwhelm Charleston Southern. Lawal and Hansberry are active rebounders, and Young’s motion offense will emphasize ball movement and corner threes. Expect pace, as Virginia Tech ranked top 60 nationally in assist rate last season but struggled with turnovers.
Charleston Southern Outlook:
The Buccaneers have limited size but can shoot. Blaine and Williams provide spacing, and Sumler’s return gives Nimley a go-to scorer. Defensive efficiency remains the concern — last season, CSU allowed over 77 points per game.
Virginia Tech’s edge in transition and rebounding sets up a potential early-season mismatch.
Injuries and Conditions
Virginia Tech
- None reported among key rotation players.
- Track updates via the Virginia Tech team page
Charleston Southern
- A’lahn Sumler (knee) cleared for the opener.
- No other reported injuries as of Sunday.
- See more at the Charleston Southern team page
Conditions: Indoors at Cassell Coliseum, no weather impact expected.
Best Bets and Prediction
ATS Trend: Virginia Tech is 4-1 ATS in its last five nonconference openers. Charleston Southern is 1-7 ATS in its last eight road games vs. ACC opponents.
Projected Score: Virginia Tech 86, Charleston Southern 61
Best Bet: Virginia Tech -22.5
Secondary Lean: Over 145
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