Virginia Tech Travels to Syracuse: Hokies’ Defense Faces a Test Against Turnover-Prone Orange
When Virginia Tech takes the floor at Syracuse on Wednesday night, don’t expect a shootout from beyond the arc-at least not from the Orange. Syracuse has struggled to find consistency from three-point range this season, and that’s unlikely to change against a Hokies squad that’s been locking in defensively.
Virginia Tech’s defense has been a point of emphasis all season, and it’s starting to show in the box score and on film. Head coach Mike Young has praised the defensive growth of players like guard Jaden Schutt and forward Amani Hansberry, both of whom have stepped up as versatile, switchable defenders. That’s going to matter against a Syracuse offense that’s still finding its rhythm-and sometimes losing the handle altogether.
Let’s talk numbers: Syracuse turned the ball over 18 times in its overtime loss at Boston College last weekend, and seven of those giveaways came from freshman guard Naithan George. That kind of carelessness won’t fly against a Hokies team that thrives on turning defense into offense. Virginia Tech isn’t necessarily known for high-pressure traps or full-court chaos, but they’re disciplined, they rotate well, and they make you earn every inch.
The Orange, on the other hand, are still a work in progress. Shooting from deep has been a sore spot, and that’s not just a one-game slump-it’s a trend.
Syracuse has been cold from long range, and without a reliable perimeter threat, opposing defenses have been able to collapse the paint and force tough shots. That’s a problem against a team like Tech that can clog driving lanes and contest without fouling.
But Syracuse isn’t without talent. They’ve got athleticism, they can get out in transition, and when they’re clicking, they can make teams pay.
The issue is consistency. The Orange have been up and down, and their offensive execution hasn’t been sharp enough to overcome their turnover issues and shooting woes.
Virginia Tech, meanwhile, is coming off a tough road loss at SMU, where they were beaten at the buzzer on a half-court heave. That kind of loss can sting, but it can also sharpen a team’s focus. The Hokies have shown flashes of being a well-balanced squad, and they’ll be looking to bounce back with a strong performance in conference play.
This matchup is also a test of depth. Virginia Tech has been getting contributions from multiple spots, and Young has been able to mix and match lineups depending on matchups. Syracuse, in contrast, has leaned heavily on its starters, and when the bench production isn’t there, the offense can stall.
One area to watch: rebounding. Both teams have had their moments on the glass, but second-chance points could swing this game. If Tech can limit Syracuse to one-and-done possessions and capitalize on their own offensive boards, they’ll put themselves in a strong position.
Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. on the ACC Network. For Syracuse, it’s a chance to clean up the sloppiness and prove they can execute under pressure. For Virginia Tech, it’s about building on their defensive identity and showing they can close out games on the road.
Bottom line: if Syracuse can’t take care of the ball and find some rhythm from deep, the Hokies’ defense could make it a long night in the Dome.