Virginia Tech secured a crucial 78-75 victory over California at Cassell Coliseum, with Amani Hansberry leading the charge. The Hokies' forward posted 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Jailen Bedford and Christian Gurdak chipped in with 13 and 12 points, respectively. The win marked a significant milestone for Virginia Tech, as they improved to 16-6 on the season.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first half. California's Dai Dai Ames was unstoppable, scoring 21 points to keep the Golden Bears within striking distance. At halftime, the score was knotted at 37-37, setting the stage for a intense second half. Virginia Tech managed to pull ahead, outscoring California 41-38 in the final 20 minutes to seal the win.
Ames' performance was a highlight of the game, as he single-handedly kept California in contention. However, Hansberry's all-around effort was the difference-maker. The Hokies' forward was a force on the glass, grabbing crucial rebounds to limit California's second-chance opportunities. Bedford and Gurdak provided key support, hitting big shots to stretch Virginia Tech's lead.
The victory has real consequences for Virginia Tech's tournament resume. As a Quadrant 2 win, it bolsters the Hokies' chances of earning an at-large bid. With a current NET ranking of 53, Virginia Tech is firmly in the mix for a postseason spot. Meanwhile, California's loss drops them to 15-5, but their Quadrant 1 loss will not significantly harm their tournament prospects, given their current NET ranking of 55.
The game unfolded as a closely contested, high-stakes matchup, with both teams leaving everything on the court. Virginia Tech's ability to hold off California's late surge will be a valuable confidence-booster as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. As the season enters its critical stretch, the Hokies want to build on this momentum, using their win over California as a springboard to bigger things.
In the end, Virginia Tech's victory over California will be a key talking point when tournament selection time arrives. The Hokies' ability to secure a hard-fought win against a quality opponent will resonate with the selection committee, and their Quadrant 2 victory will be a valuable addition to their resume. As the postseason picture begins to take shape, Virginia Tech's 78-75 win over California will be remembered as a pivotal moment in their season, one that could ultimately propel them to a tournament berth.