Head coach Buzz Williams closes his eyes during the national anthem before tipoff. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Justin Robinson (left) and Jalen Hudson (right) sit on the bench waiting to be called for the starting lineup introductions. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Virginia Tech cheerleaders and the student section jump to Enter Sandman before tip off. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday drives to the basket for a layup. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Seth Allen (left) and Justin Bibbs (right) trap Princeton's Amir Bell into a 5 second violation. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Seth Allen (4) high fives Justin Bibbs after forcing a Princeton turnover. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Chris Clarke dribbles the ball down the court on a fast break. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams celebrates a charge call in favor of the Hokies. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday looks to spin around a Princeton defender in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Princeton's Devin Cannady looks for a pass while Virginia Tech head coach Buzz Williams shouts instructions to his team behind him. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday attempts a floater in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Seth Allen swings the ball behind his back on a drive to the basket. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Jalen Hudson has the ball knocked out of his hands on a layup attempt. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Over 8000 fans packed into Cassell Coliseium for the weekday NIT tournament game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Princeton's Spencer Weisz (10) argues a foul called against him in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday prepares to slam the ball home on the last play of the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Virginia Tech HIgh Techs perform for the crowd during halftime. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Virginia Tech HIgh Techs perform for the crowd during halftime. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams shouts instructions to his team at the start of the second half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday looks for an open pass. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The student section attempts to distract a Princeton free throw shooter in the second half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Jalen Hudson looks upcourt in the second half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Justin Bibbs (10) has a wide open lane to the basket for a layup in the second half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Justin Robinson lies on the floor after being fouled hard on a layup attempt. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Buzz Williams (right) celebrates with the rest of the Virginia Tech bench after a Hokie three point shot. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday (32) is fouled by Princeton's Amir Bell (left) in the second half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Seth Allen draws a foul late in the second half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday looks towards the basket. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Buzz Williams gets out of the way of Seth Allen (left) on a loose ball play that went out of bounds. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams shows off some foot skills to stop a rolling basketball after a stoppage in play. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Jalen Hudson picks up his dribble to start a layup attempt in the second half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Seth Allen dribbles the ball up court after a Princeton foul to extend the game in overtime. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Seth Allen has some fun with the basketball as he walks to the free throw line late in overtime. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday shoots a free throw to extend the Virginia Tech lead late in the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday hugs Greg Donlon as the final whistle blows. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams had the team enter the stands to thank fans up close after the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Zach Leday poses with students after the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Hokies entered the stands after the game to celebrate the win. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Chris Clarke (15) stands in the student section after the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams, Zach Leday, and Shane Henry pose for pictures with students in the stands after the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Buzz Williams poses for photos with students after the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Buzz Williams poses for a photo with a pair of young fans. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Chris Clarke, Devin Wilson, and Justin Robinson pose for a selfie with some young fans. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Johnny Hamilton takes a selfie for fans after the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Shane Henry and Kerry Blackshear Jr high five fans on their way out from the court at the end of the game. The Hokies defeated Princeton 86-81 in the first round of the NIT. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)