BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team achieved a significant Quad 1 victory late Wednesday night, edging out Syracuse with a score of 76-74. This triumph elevates Tech’s record to 15-5 overall and 4-3 in the ACC, marking the first time this season that the team has secured consecutive victories in conference play.
The game began with a competitive spirit, but Syracuse quickly seized control with an 8-0 run, establishing a 23-13 lead just nine minutes into the match. However, after a timeout, Virginia Tech bounced back, sparked by Jailen Bedford’s first 3-pointer of the night, combining with a jumper from Tobi Lawal to reignite the home squad. Despite Syracuse’s strong start, Tech managed to keep pace, taking a seven-point lead into halftime, largely due to their exceptional three-point shooting (7 for 12 from beyond the arc).
As the second half unfolded, Virginia Tech found their rhythm while also tightening their defense, limiting Syracuse to 41% shooting overall and just 27% from three-point range. A pivotal moment came when the Hokies embarked on a 7-0 run to tie the game at 45 with 11:54 remaining, thanks to a corner three by Jaden Schutt. Shortly after, a free throw by Ben Hammond allowed Virginia Tech to reclaim the lead.
Tech extended its advantage to as much as nine points during the second half, effectively converting their free throw opportunities, going to the line 33 times in the final period. Hammond led the scoring with 24 points, while Lawal added 16. Both players were instrumental at the line, combining to finish 22 of 27. Other contributors included Neo Avdalas and Amani Hansberry, who each scored 10 points.
As the game wound down, the Orange closed the gap to two points, but Tech secured the win in the closing seconds when Naithan George hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, finalizing the score at 76-74.
In game notes, Virginia Tech’s starters for this match included Neoklis Avdalas, Ben Hammond, Jailen Bedford, Amani Hansberry, and Christian Gurdak, maintaining the same lineup for the third straight game. This marked the eighth different starting combination used by coach Mike Young this season. Hammond’s remarkable performance also featured six steals, tying him for the program record for steals in an ACC game, a feat last accomplished by Justyn Mutts against Oklahoma State in 2022. Remarkably, this encounter stands as the Hokies’ eighth game decided by one possession this season, with Virginia Tech holding a 5-3 record in such tight contests.
Looking ahead, Virginia Tech will face No. 23 Louisville on Saturday, January 24, at 3:30 p.m. on The CW. The Hokies have performed well against the Cardinals recently, boasting a 4-1 record in their last five matchups and securing an 80-64 victory during their last visit to the KFC Yum Center in 2024. The team’s current momentum offers a positive outlook as they continue to strive for success in the ACC.