In a dominating performance, Virginia Tech Hokies outlasted Wake Forest Demon Deacons 82-63, establishing a commanding 19-point lead at the final buzzer. The Hokies' 43-33 advantage at the break set the tone for a convincing victory, while the Demon Deacons struggled to regain momentum in the second half.
Wake Forest's NET-ranked #58 offense was no match for Virginia Tech's #56 NET-ranked defense, as the Hokies asserted their dominance throughout the contest. The final margin and half scores paint a clear picture of the disparity between the two teams, with Virginia Tech's strong performance yielding a decisive win.
Tobi Lawal's performance was a significant contributor to Virginia Tech's victory, with a team-high 17 points on 7-11 shooting from the field, including 1-4 from three-point range. He also provided a presence in the paint, pulling down 9 rebounds. Lawal's ability to score efficiently and rebound effectively made him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
Neoklis Avdalas and Amani Hansberry also played key roles in the Hokies' win. Avdalas tallied 17 points, shooting 6-14 from the field and 4-9 from three-point range, showcasing his ability to stretch the defense with his outside shooting. He also led the team with 7 assists, demonstrating his playmaking prowess. Hansberry chipped in 13 points, making 5-7 shots from the field and 2-4 from three-point range, while also contributing 2 assists. The duo's scoring and playmaking ability helped to complement Lawal's efforts and propel Virginia Tech to the victory.
Juke Harris led the Demon Deacons in scoring with 16 points, but his efficiency was a concern, as he shot just 41% from the field and 20% from beyond the arc. He also struggled from the free throw line, failing to convert on both attempts. Despite his scoring output, Harris's inability to find consistency in his shot and inability to make free throws hindered Wake Forest's offense.
Tre'Von Spillers was a double-digit scorer and rebounder, but his overall line was somewhat underwhelming given his usual production. He shot 50% from the field, but just 50% from the free throw line, and failed to contribute in terms of assists. His 2 blocks were a positive, but not enough to make up for his lack of all-around impact.
The remainder of the Hokies' roster and Demon Deacons' bench players largely adhered to their season averages.
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Final
While the pre-game prediction held up, the margin of victory was significantly greater than anticipated, with Virginia Tech winning by 19 points. This disparity suggests that the Hokies' performance was more dominant than expected, and Wake Forest's struggles were more pronounced than anticipated.
A closer examination of the team statistics reveals that Virginia Tech's ability to shoot the ball efficiently from both within and beyond the arc was a decisive factor in the outcome. The Hokies' elevated effective field goal percentage (eFG%) and three-point shooting percentage (3PT%) suggest that they were able to score at a high rate, while Wake Forest's struggles in these areas limited their scoring opportunities. Additionally, Virginia Tech's advantage on the glass, particularly on the offensive end, allowed them to control the tempo and limit the Demon Deacons' chances to score.
The outcome of this game has significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament resumes. For Virginia Tech, this Quad 2 victory bolsters their profile, particularly in the eyes of the selection committee, who will now view their 4-1 record against Quad 2 opponents as a notable strength. This win, coupled with their 3-8 record against Quad 1 opponents, positions them for a likely 7-10 seed in the tournament, providing a relatively favorable draw. Conversely, Wake Forest's Quad 1 loss drops them to 0-8 in these high-stakes games, a concerning trend that may jeopardize their tournament bid altogether, potentially relegating them to a 12 seed or worse. As the selection committee continues to evaluate these teams, one thing is clear: Virginia Tech's resume now looks more formidable than ever, while Wake Forest's hopes hang precariously in the balance.