Virginia Tech Suffers Four One-Score Losses in ACC Play

Hokies' NCAA Tournament hopes diminished by close defeats

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:35pm

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The Virginia Tech men's basketball team has suffered four one-score losses in ACC play this season, including close defeats against Wake Forest, Stanford, SMU, and Miami. The Hokies have struggled to close out tight games, with each loss coming down to the final possessions. Despite strong performances from players like Jailen Bedford, Amani Hansberry, and Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech has been unable to secure key victories, hurting their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

One-score losses have plagued Virginia Tech throughout the season, diminishing their NCAA Tournament aspirations. The Hokies' inability to finish close games has been a recurring issue, raising questions about their composure and execution in high-pressure situations. These narrow defeats could have significant implications for the team's postseason hopes and the program's trajectory.

The details

In the loss to Wake Forest, the Hokies rallied back from a nine-point deficit but ultimately fell 77-76 after a late three-pointer by Nate Calmese. Against Stanford, Virginia Tech blew a 12-point lead in the final two minutes, losing 68-67 on a last-second three-pointer. The SMU game saw the Hokies squander an eight-point lead, with the Mustangs scoring an improbable 50-foot buzzer-beater to win 69-68. Most recently, Virginia Tech lost 67-66 to Miami, failing to hold onto a late lead and allowing the Hurricanes to secure the victory at the free-throw line.

  • On January 3, Virginia Tech lost to Wake Forest 77-76.
  • On January 7, Virginia Tech lost to Stanford 68-67.
  • On January 14, Virginia Tech lost to SMU 69-68.
  • On February 17, Virginia Tech lost to Miami 67-66.

The players

Jailen Bedford

A key player for Virginia Tech, scoring 22 points in the loss to SMU.

Amani Hansberry

Recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds in the loss to Stanford.

Neoklis Avdalas

Led Virginia Tech with 21 points in the loss to Stanford.

Nate Calmese

Hit the game-winning three-pointer for Wake Forest in the final seconds to defeat Virginia Tech.

Ebuka Okorie

Scored a game-high 31 points, including 26 in the second half, to lead Stanford to victory over Virginia Tech.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Virginia Tech will travel to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to play No. 16 UNC on Saturday, February 25th at 8:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

The takeaway

Virginia Tech's inability to close out close games has been a recurring issue this season, with the team suffering four one-score losses in ACC play. These narrow defeats have significantly hurt the Hokies' NCAA Tournament aspirations, raising questions about their composure and execution in high-pressure situations. As the team prepares to face a ranked opponent in UNC, they will need to find a way to finish games and secure key victories if they hope to keep their postseason hopes alive.