Virginia Tech Faces No. 20 Clemson in Crucial ACC Matchup

Hokies look to bounce back after losing 3 of their last 4 games

Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:31pm

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The Virginia Tech Hokies (16-8, 5-6) will travel to Clemson, South Carolina to take on the No. 20 Clemson Tigers (20-4, 10-1) in a crucial ACC matchup on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The Hokies are looking to bounce back after losing 3 of their last 4 games, while the Tigers have won 4 straight and 13 of their last 14 contests.

Why it matters

This game represents a chance for Virginia Tech to pick up a Quad 1 win and boost their NCAA Tournament resume, as they look to move off the bubble. However, they will be without their starting guard Tyler Johnson, who is the team's best perimeter defender and a key contributor. Clemson's elite defense will present a major challenge for the Hokies' inconsistent offense.

The details

Clemson has been dominant this season, with their only ACC loss coming against NC State. They feature a formidable frontcourt of RJ Godfrey, Carter Welling, and Nick Davidson, as well as consistent guard play from Jestin Porter, Dillon Hunter, and Ace Buckner. Virginia Tech will need strong performances from forwards Tobi Lawal and Amani Hansberry, as well as a bounce-back game from sophomore guard Ben Hammond, who was held scoreless in the team's last loss.

  • The game will tip off at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Tyler Johnson

A sophomore guard for Virginia Tech who is the team's best all-around perimeter defender and a key contributor, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game.

RJ Godfrey

A 6-foot-7, 240-pound forward for Clemson who anchors the Tigers' formidable frontcourt.

Tobi Lawal

A forward for Virginia Tech who needs to provide consistent offensive production for the Hokies to have a chance against Clemson's elite defense.

Amani Hansberry

A forward for Virginia Tech who, when on, can make the Hokies a tough team to beat.

Ben Hammond

A sophomore guard for Virginia Tech who has been terrific in ACC play but was held scoreless in the team's last loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to get open looks against Clemson's defense. It's going to be a challenge, but we have the players to get it done if we execute our game plan.”

— Mike Young, Head Coach, Virginia Tech

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game represents a crucial opportunity for Virginia Tech to pick up a Quad 1 win and boost their NCAA Tournament chances, but they will have to overcome the absence of Tyler Johnson and Clemson's elite defense to do so. The Hokies' ability to get consistent offensive production from their frontcourt will be key to their chances of pulling off the upset.