Virginia Tech is gearing up for a challenging matchup as they aim for their second two-game conference win streak of the season against the formidable No. 4 Duke Blue Devils. The Hokies come off a solid performance against Georgia Tech, where they secured a 71-65 victory at Cassell Coliseum.
This upcoming game marks the 68th all-time meeting between the two teams and the 30th in ACC history. Historically, the Blue Devils have an overwhelming advantage, leading the series 54-13 overall, 21-8 in conference contests, and 14-10 in games played in Blacksburg. Duke has also showcased their dominance this season, holding an unbeaten 8-0 record in ACC matchups and riding a three-game win streak against Virginia Tech. However, the Hokies boast a respectable 5-2 record at home in their last seven encounters, reflecting the challenging environment Cassell Coliseum can present to visiting teams.
This matchup has garnered attention as a showcase for two standout freshmen, Neoklis Avdalas from Virginia Tech and Cameron Boozer from Duke. Both players had impressive starts to the season, with Avdalas scoring 33 points against Providence and Boozer netting 35 against Indiana State. As the season has progressed, Boozer continues to excel, currently ranking in the top 20 nationally for rebounds per game at 9.89 and fourth for points per game at 23.68. In contrast, while Avdalas’s scoring has dipped in conference play, he maintains a strong presence as a distributor, averaging 4.67 assists per game.
Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young expressed confidence in Avdalas and his ability to regain his form as a playmaker. “We’ve got to get Avdalas back to playing like Avdalas, sharing and distributing. Avdalas is an elite passer, an elite playmaker, and he’s a great player. We’re going to figure it out together,” Young said after the win over Georgia Tech.
The Hokies will be facing this crucial game without sophomore Tyler Johnson, who has been sidelined since December 20. Nevertheless, fellow sophomore Ben Hammond has stepped up significantly during conference play, currently leading the team with 17 points per game, a surge highlighted by his explosive 30-point game against then-21st ranked Virginia.
As Virginia Tech navigates the competitive landscape of the tournament bubble this season, a victory over Duke would bolster their chances considerably. The support of the Cassell Guard will undoubtedly energize the Hokies, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive game. While the task at hand against Boozer and the Blue Devils’ potent offense is tough, expectations are high for a spirited battle that could come down to the wire. The projected final score suggests a close contest, with Duke edging out Virginia Tech 79-76.