Defense Virginia Tech played very well on defense in the first quarter, forcing multiple turnovers and causing Winthrop to get off to a slow shooting start.

Virginia Tech came up with big plays down the stretch Monday night and held off visiting Winthrop 58-52 in a men’s basketball defensive struggle. The Eagles (2-1) led at halftime, were tied midway in the second half, and had a chance to tie the game in the final minute.

Despite trailing at halftime, the Hokies rebounded over the final 20 minutes to secure a 58-52 victory on Monday night. The Eagles shot just 34.5 percent from the floor (20-58), but the Hokies let the visitors hang around by making just 33.