Virginia Tech's journey in the ACC Tournament came to an abrupt halt, leaving their NCAA Tournament hopes hanging by a thread. The Hokies needed two wins to solidify their spot in March Madness, but after a tough loss to Wake Forest, their fate now rests in the hands of the selection committee.
In a game that slipped away in overtime, Virginia Tech had multiple chances to seal the deal, particularly in the closing moments of regulation. Despite two clean looks at the basket, they couldn't capitalize, allowing Wake Forest to take control and secure a 95-89 victory.
The Hokies' season started strong with a 4-0 record in tight games, but lately, they've struggled to close out contests, often hampered by defensive lapses and missed opportunities. The absence of Amani Hansberry due to injury only compounded their challenges, as the team has battled health issues throughout the season. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short when it mattered most.
Ben Hammond was a standout for Virginia Tech, leading with 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. He injected energy into a struggling offense.
Jailen Bedford also made his presence felt in the second half, contributing 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, helping to keep the Hokies in contention. However, missed opportunities at critical junctures proved costly.
Off the bench, Jaden Schutt impressed with 15 points and 3 assists, showcasing his perimeter shooting skills. Tobi Lawal added 12 points and 9 rebounds, playing a crucial role in keeping possessions alive late in the game.
Antonio Dorn chipped in with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Yet, Neo Avdalas struggled to find his rhythm, and Christian Gurdak faced challenges against the athletic Wake Forest bigs.
Wake Forest's balanced attack was a thorn in Virginia Tech's side, with 7 of their 8 players scoring in double figures. Myles Colvin led the charge with 18 points and 6 rebounds.
Sebastian Akin, typically a modest scorer, stepped up with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Mekhi Mason and Tre'Von Spillers each added 13 points. Mason's timely three-pointers were pivotal in swinging momentum back in Wake Forest's favor.
Despite dominating the boards with a 45-28 rebounding advantage and grabbing 21 offensive rebounds, Virginia Tech couldn't convert those into a win. The Hokies' 13 turnovers led to 18 points for Wake Forest, a decisive factor in the outcome. While Virginia Tech was more efficient in capitalizing on Wake's turnovers, the shooting disparity-Wake Forest's 51% to Virginia Tech's 41%-ultimately made the difference.
With Wake Forest advancing to face Clemson, Virginia Tech returns to Blacksburg, hoping their resume will earn them a chance to dance in March Madness. The wait until Selection Sunday will be an anxious one for the Hokies and their fans.