In a gripping basketball showdown, the Virginia Tech Hokies, despite facing numerous player absences, secured an improbable victory over the 21st-ranked Virginia Cavaliers. This extended contest, stretching into a third overtime, showcased remarkable resilience and stellar individual performances, particularly from a key reserve who stepped up in pivotal moments. The win marks a significant achievement for the Hokies, extending their winning streak and demonstrating their depth and fighting spirit against a formidable opponent.
Virginia Tech Secures Hard-Fought Victory in Commonwealth Clash
On Wednesday afternoon, December 31, 2025, at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Virginia Tech Hokies engaged in a memorable basketball clash against the No. 21 Virginia Cavaliers. This highly anticipated Commonwealth Clash extended into a thrilling triple-overtime, culminating in a 95-85 victory for Virginia Tech.
A standout performance came from Virginia Tech's reserve player, Ben Hammond, who delivered a career-best 30 points, with a crucial 10 points contributed during the decisive third overtime period. Complementing Hammond's heroics, Christian Gurdak was instrumental with 17 points and an impressive 19 rebounds. Amani Hansberry also made significant contributions, tallying 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Neoklis Avdalas added 17 points and 8 rebounds.
The Hokies' victory was particularly remarkable given the challenges they faced, including the absence of three key starters due to injuries: Tyler Johnson, Tobi Lawal, and Antonio Dorn. Despite these setbacks, Virginia Tech displayed exceptional teamwork and perseverance, extending their winning streak to six games.
For the Virginia Cavaliers, Malik Thomas led the scoring with 26 points, supported by Thijs De Ridder, who recorded 22 points and 13 rebounds. The loss brought an end to Virginia's own six-game winning streak. The game was replete with dramatic moments, including a critical three-pointer from Hansberry in the third overtime that gave Virginia Tech a definitive 85-82 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Both teams had opportunities to win in regulation and the first two overtimes, with last-second plays and intense back-and-forth scoring keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end.
A Testament to Resilience and Team Depth
This extraordinary contest serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature and sheer excitement of collegiate basketball. Virginia Tech's triumph, particularly given the roster challenges they overcame, underscores the importance of team depth and individual players rising to the occasion when it matters most. It highlights how resilience and strategic adjustments can lead to remarkable victories even against highly-ranked adversaries. For fans, it was a showcase of competitive spirit and athletic determination, leaving a lasting impression on the season's narrative.