Wake Forest Outlasts Virginia Tech in Overtime Thriller
In the heart of Charlotte, the Spectrum Center was alive with the tension of March basketball as Wake Forest and Virginia Tech clashed in the ACC Tournament. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Demon Deacons ultimately prevailing 95-89 in a nail-biting overtime.
As the clock ticked down in regulation, the Hokies found themselves tied at 75. Ben Hammond, Virginia Tech’s guard, made a daring drive into the key, sending a floater toward the basket. It danced off the rim, and Jailen Bedford's last-second putback attempt did the same, pushing the game into overtime.
Once in overtime, Wake Forest seized the moment. They nailed their first three shots and added two crucial free throws, building a lead that Virginia Tech couldn't overcome.
This victory was a testament to Wake Forest's balanced attack, with seven players scoring in double digits. Myles Colvin led the charge with 18 points, while Sebastian Akins and Tre'Von Spillers added 14 and 13, respectively.
Virginia Tech struggled from beyond the arc, especially in the first half, hitting just 3 of 13 attempts. Despite this, they managed to keep the game competitive, with Hammond sinking a crucial three-pointer to cut a growing deficit. Yet, the Hokies couldn't capitalize on their opportunities, a theme that haunted them throughout the season.
Reflecting on the game, Virginia Tech's head coach, Mike Young, acknowledged the missed chances. "We had our opportunities, and we came up just short," he admitted. This sentiment echoed their season, marked by close losses and what-ifs.
Injuries also played a role in Virginia Tech's struggles. Key players like Tyler Johnson and Tobi Lawal missed significant time, impacting the team's chemistry and performance. Neoklis Avdalas, a promising recruit, showed flashes of brilliance early in the season but faced his own challenges as the year progressed.
Jaden Schutt, a Virginia Tech guard, summed up the season's frustrations: "We’re obviously talented enough to be an NCAA Tournament team. Probably a few shots away from being there."
As the Hokies look ahead, they’ll be pondering those missed opportunities and buzzer-beaters that slipped away. For now, Wake Forest moves on in the ACC Tournament, while Virginia Tech is left to regroup and plan for the future, still on the outside looking in at March Madness.