The Virginia Tech Hokies, with a 5-6 conference record, are in dire need of a marquee win to bolster their tournament resume, and a victory over the 10-1 Clemson Tigers would undoubtedly be a significant boost, considering Clemson's impressive quad record of 4-3 in Quad 1 games, 6-1 in Quad 2 games, and a perfect 5-0 in both Quad 3 and Quad 4 games. With 16 wins under their belt, the Hokies are still in the hunt, but their 2-7 record in Quad 1 games is a major concern, and they'll need to capitalize on opportunities like this to improve their chances. The Tigers, on the other hand, are projected as a top-4 seed and are looking to extend their 3-game win streak, having scored an average of 78.3 points per game during this stretch.
Clemson Tigers' Defense Has Held Opponents to 39.5% Shooting from the Field
The game is scheduled to take place on February 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET at Littlejohn Coliseum, and will be broadcast on ACC Network. Fans can also stream the game online through the ESPN app.
The Virginia Tech Hokies have had an up-and-down season, with a 16-8 overall record and a 5-6 mark in ACC play. They've struggled in Quad 1 games, going 2-7, but have excelled in Quad 3 and Quad 4 games, boasting a combined 10-0 record. The Hokies have averaged 72.1 points per game, while allowing 68.5 points per contest. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 1-2 in their last 3 games, including a 75-65 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels. With a NET rank of 55, the Hokies are firmly on the bubble, and a win over a top-30 team like Clemson would significantly improve their tournament chances.
Key Matchups
The Clemson Tigers have been one of the most impressive teams in the ACC, with a 20-4 overall record and a 10-1 mark in conference play. They've been particularly strong at home, with a 12-1 record at Littlejohn Coliseum, where they've averaged 81.4 points per game. The Tigers have a NET rank of 30 and have excelled in Quad 2 games, going 6-1. Their quad record is impressive, with a 4-3 mark in Quad 1 games, and they're looking to build on their recent success, having won 3 games in a row, including a 85-64 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Clemson's defense has been stout, allowing just 64.2 points per game, and they'll look to shut down the Hokies' offense, which has averaged 72.1 points per game.
The key to this matchup will be the battle between Clemson's top-30 defense and Virginia Tech's offense, which has been inconsistent at times. The Tigers have allowed just 39.5% shooting from the field, while the Hokies have shot 44.2% from the field, including 35.1% from 3-point range. Clemson's defense has been particularly effective in the paint, allowing just 42.1% shooting from 2-point range, and they'll look to shut down Virginia Tech's post players, who have averaged 23.4 points per game. The pace of the game will also be crucial, as Clemson has averaged 70.5 possessions per game, while Virginia Tech has averaged 69.2 possessions per contest. If the Tigers can dictate the tempo, they may be able to limit the Hokies' scoring opportunities.
CHD Scout Prediction
Virginia Tech
67
Clemson
80
For Virginia Tech, guard Sean Pedulla has been a bright spot, averaging 14.5 points per game, including 38.5% shooting from 3-point range. Forward Justyn Mutts has also been impressive, averaging 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. For Clemson, forward PJ Hall has been dominant, averaging 15.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while guard Brevin Galloway has provided a spark off the bench, averaging 10.3 points per game, including 41.2% shooting from 3-point range. These players matters in determining the outcome of the game, and their performances will be closely watched by scouts and fans alike.
The CHD Scout prediction has Clemson winning by 13.1 points, with an 86.2% win probability. This prediction is based on the Tigers' impressive defensive numbers, as well as their strong home record. Clemson's ability to shut down opposing offenses, combined with their own potent attack, makes them a formidable opponent, and the Hokies must bring their A-game if they hope to pull off the upset. With a margin of 13.1 points, the Tigers are expected to win comfortably, but the Hokies have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and they may be able to keep the game close.
Tournament Stakes
A win for Virginia Tech would be a significant boost to their tournament chances, as it would improve their Quad 1 record to 3-7 and provide a much-needed marquee win. On the other hand, a loss would drop the Hokies to 16-9 and put them in a precarious position, with a NET rank of 55 and a limited number of opportunities to improve their resume. For Clemson, a win would solidify their position as a top-4 seed, and they would remain in the hunt for the ACC regular season title, with a 10-1 conference record. The Tigers' quad record would also improve, with a 5-3 mark in Quad 1 games, and they would take a significant step towards securing a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.