What was billed as a defensive slugfest turned into something entirely different on Wednesday night in Littlejohn Coliseum. Instead of a grind-it-out affair, Virginia Tech lit up the scoreboard and stunned No. 20 Clemson with a 76-66 upset that could very well breathe new life into the Hokies’ NCAA Tournament hopes.
Coming into the game, Clemson’s defense had been one of the stingiest in the country-top 20 nationally-and nearly unbeatable at home. The Tigers had only lost three times on their home floor over the past three seasons.
But Virginia Tech didn’t just survive that defense-they picked it apart. The Hokies shot a blistering 52% from the field and matched that from beyond the arc, putting up the second-highest point total Clemson has allowed since early December.
This wasn’t just about shooting the lights out. It was about toughness, execution, and timely playmaking.
Virginia Tech came in knowing what was at stake, and they played like it. Every possession had urgency.
Every defensive stand felt like a statement. And when they needed big plays, their stars delivered.
Jailen Bedford was the tone-setter. The sophomore guard poured in 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, knocking down big shots early and keeping the pressure on throughout.
He was efficient, composed, and confident-exactly what you need on the road in a must-win game. Ben Hammond backed him up with 19 points and four steals, including three triples that helped stretch Clemson’s defense and open up the floor.
Tobi Lawal was a force inside, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds. He took on Clemson’s physical frontcourt and didn’t back down, drawing fouls and making life difficult for the Tigers in the paint. His work on the glass was especially important-Virginia Tech won the rebounding battle, which is no small feat against a team with Clemson’s size and depth up front.
Neo Avdalas chipped in with eight points, three boards, and four assists, showing off his vision and control in the first half when the Hokies built their lead. Amani Hansberry added a little bit of everything-seven points, seven rebounds, three assists-and gave the Hokies a steady presence on both ends.
Clemson wasn’t without its own firepower. Carter Welling led the Tigers with 19 points and six rebounds.
Nick Davidson and Ace Buckner added 16 apiece, and the trio combined to shoot a remarkable 20-of-29 from the field. But that’s where the production stopped.
The rest of the roster went just 5-of-26, and Virginia Tech’s defense deserves a lot of credit for that. They didn’t have an answer for Clemson’s top scorers, but they made sure no one else could hurt them.
That kind of selective lockdown defense is how you beat a team that’s used to getting contributions across the board.
The Hokies also held Clemson to just 31% from three-point range and made life difficult on the perimeter. Whenever the Tigers looked like they might mount a run, Virginia Tech had an answer-either with a timely bucket, a key stop, or a hustle play that swung the momentum right back.
Even when turnovers crept in late in the second half, the Hokies never let the game slip away. They led the entire second half and never allowed Clemson to get within one possession after the break.
This win marks Virginia Tech’s second victory over a ranked opponent this season and pushes their record to 17-8 overall, 6-6 in ACC play. More importantly, it keeps them firmly in the conversation for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid-something that looked increasingly uncertain just a week ago.
Next up, the Hokies return home to face Florida State in Blacksburg, a game that suddenly carries even more significance. For Clemson, now 20-5 and 10-2 in the conference, a massive road test awaits at No.
4 Duke. And after Wednesday night’s upset, they’ll be heading into that one with plenty to think about.