Virginia Tech secured a 71-65 win over Georgia Tech at Cassell Coliseum, with Ben Hammond leading the charge with 20 points. The Hokies' performance was in line with expectations, as they were predicted to win by 8.2 points according to CHD Scout. While the actual margin of victory was slightly narrower at 6 points, the outcome was never truly in doubt, thanks in large part to Hammond's standout effort.
At halftime, Virginia Tech held a 36-30 lead, having controlled the tempo of the game. Georgia Tech's Jaeden Mustaf was a force to be reckoned with, however, tallying 16 points and 11 rebounds to keep his team within striking distance. Mustaf's double-double was a reflection of his skill and determination, but ultimately, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Hokies.
Jailen Bedford and Christian Gurdak provided key support for Virginia Tech, scoring 14 and 11 points, respectively. Gurdak also chipped in with 7 rebounds, helping the Hokies maintain a slight edge on the glass. For Georgia Tech, Baye Ndongo and Lamar Washington joined Mustaf in double figures, with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Washington also dished out 5 assists, but the Yellow Jackets' offense struggled to find consistency against the Hokies' defense.
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As the second half unfolded, Virginia Tech maintained its advantage, never allowing Georgia Tech to pull ahead. The Hokies' ability to close out the game was a significant factor in the outcome, as they limited the Yellow Jackets to just 35 second-half points. In the end, Virginia Tech's 71-65 victory was a hard-fought win that reflected their superiority on the day.
The win is a significant boost to Virginia Tech's tournament resume, as it qualifies as a Quadrant 3 victory. Given the Hokies' current net ranking of 53, they want to accumulate as many quality wins as possible to strengthen their case for a postseason berth. On the other hand, the loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat for Georgia Tech, which may hinder their own tournament aspirations. With a current net ranking of 145, the Yellow Jackets face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the tournament.
This result reinforces Virginia Tech's position as a formidable opponent, while also highlighting the challenges that Georgia Tech must overcome to achieve their goals. As the season progresses, both teams want to build on this performance and make a push for the postseason. For now, the Hokies can take pride in a well-deserved victory, one that demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure and come out on top against a tough opponent.