The short-handed Hokies upset the Zion Williamson-less Blue Devils in February, and revenge is on the menu with both squads at full strength. (1:20)

Virginia Tech intends to play senior guard Ty Outlaw, who has been charged with marijuana possession, against Duke in the NCAA tournament on Friday.

Hokies coach Buzz Williams announced in a statement that Outlaw took a drug test before the team left campus Wednesday for its Sweet 16 showdown in Washington, D.C., on Friday against the top-seeded Blue Devils.

The test came back negative, prompting Williams and athletic director Whit Babcock to allow Outlaw to play Friday.

"We will continue to let the process play out and that's all I can say at this time," Williams said Thursday in the statement. "If information changes, we will respond appropriately according to our policies."

Williams addressed the issue with reporters later on Thursday.

"Maybe sometimes what scrolls across TV may not actually be the whole story, or what is published on Twitter in an ironically efficient pace may not be the whole story," he said. "So Ty's handled everything perfect. He's been transparent not only with me but with all the authorities involved. And I think it will play itself out. And maybe there should be an apology. Maybe not. Maybe that's just me being overprotective."

Outlaw was charged March 21, the day after he and the Hokies arrived in San Jose, California, for the first round of the NCAA tournament, according to records on the Virginia Courts Case Information website.

Outlaw said he discussed the situation immediately with Williams. He said he wasn't worried that the charge would end his college career.

"I'm sure everybody else outside the program might have thought that. But that's the reason why we followed protocols and the reason why I trust in my coaching staff and Buzz Williams," he said.

The 6-foot-6 Outlaw is averaging 8.7 points per game and shooting a team-best 45.6 percent from 3-point range this season. His hearing is set for April 11.

ESPN's David M. Hale and The Associated Press contributed to this report.