Malcolm Delaney is heating up for Virginia Tech as conference play is set to begin.

Delaney, an ACC Player of the Year candidate, scored 17 points and handed out five assists in the Hokies' 64-53 win over USC-Upstate Thursday afternoon in Blacksburg.

Delaney, who passed on the NBA Draft to return for his senior season, has scored at least 16 points in all but one game this year and has recorded 22 assists in his last four games.

It was the fourth straight win for the Hokies (8-4, 0-1 ACC), who were picked among the top contenders to challenge Duke in the ACC this season. Virginia Tech faces Mount St. Mary's Monday, before resuming ACC play at home against Florida State on Jan. 8

The visiting Spartans (2-10, 1-1 Atlantic Sun) jumped out to an early lead, but couldn't hold off the more talented Hokies. Virginia Tech led by only five at halftime, but quickly built a double-digit lead in the second half and were never seriously challenged down the stretch.

Delaney was joined in double figures by Jeff Allen (16 points, 15 rebounds) and Erick Green (12 points).

Torrey Craig led USC-Upstate with 12 points He was the only Spartan in double figures.