Virginia Tech’s first real test of the season came with plenty of stress, a few shaky stretches, and just enough shot-making to leave Sioux City with a win.
The Hokies outlasted Iowa 93-88 in overtime on Tuesday night, moving to 3-0 behind a huge night from Ben Hammond and a strong scoring punch from Jaylen Curry. It was not a tidy performance by Mike Young’s group, but Virginia Tech found enough answers late to knock off the Hawkeyes and pick up an early victory that could matter down the line.
Hammond was the headliner. The 5-foot-11 guard poured in a career-high 32 points on 9-of-16 shooting and went 3-of-5 from deep.
He was perfect at the line, hitting all 11 of his free throws, and added five rebounds and four assists without a turnover. He scored 15 in the first half and capped it with a buzzer-beating three to send Virginia Tech into the break up 41-40.
It was the second time in his career he’s topped 30 points, matching the 30-point outburst he had against then-No. 21 Virginia on Dec.
31, 2025.
Even with Hammond fouling out with 1.4 seconds left in regulation, his scoring kept the Hokies alive throughout the night.
Once overtime arrived and Hammond was unavailable, Curry took over the offense. The transfer guard finished with 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting and drilled a key three-pointer that pushed Virginia Tech ahead 84-80 with 1:38 left in overtime. His ability to create off the dribble gives Young another dependable option in the backcourt, especially when Hammond gets into foul trouble or defenses key on him.
Virginia Tech’s offense had plenty to like beyond the two guards. The Hokies shot 53.6% from the field, making 30 of 56 attempts, and hit 7 of 18 from three.
Four players scored in double figures, with Amani Hansberry adding 16 points and Isaiah Elohim finishing with 12. The bench, though, contributed only seven points.
The Hokies also did enough at the line to help separate in a five-point game, going 26-for-33 on free throws.
The other side of the story was much less comfortable. Iowa controlled the boards 40-26 and had a 16-9 edge in offensive rebounds, repeatedly creating extra chances and staying in the game despite Virginia Tech’s better shooting.
Hansberry grabbed three rebounds in 40 minutes, while starting center Miles Heide also had three before fouling out. Elohim led Virginia Tech with six rebounds.
Foul trouble nearly turned the night into a disaster. Virginia Tech was whistled for 30 personal fouls, and Iowa got to the free-throw line 47 times. Hammond and Heide both fouled out, leaving the Hokies without two starters during important stretches.
Iowa only made 31 of those 47 free throws, including a miss that could have won the game in the final seconds of regulation. That miss helped Virginia Tech survive, but it’s not a formula the Hokies can count on as the schedule gets tougher.
The takeaway from Tuesday is clear: Virginia Tech has real offensive firepower. The bigger questions now sit on the glass and on the defensive end, where rebounding and discipline still need work.
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