Virginia Tech Comes Up Short Against Virginia, 76-72

Hokies' NCAA Tournament hopes take a hit with loss to rival Cavaliers

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Virginia Tech Hokies entered Saturday’s game against 13th-ranked Virginia needing a win to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. However, the Hokies got off to a slow start, falling behind by as many as 16 points in the first half. Though they fought back to tie the game in the second half, the Cavaliers responded with a run of their own and held on for the 76-72 victory.

Why it matters

This loss is a significant blow to Virginia Tech’s NCAA Tournament aspirations. The Hokies were hoping to pick up a marquee win against their in-state rival to bolster their resume, but instead they’ll likely need an extended run in the ACC Tournament to have a chance at making the Big Dance.

The details

Virginia jumped out to a 12-0 lead to start the game, and the Hokies struggled mightily from the field, missing eight of their first nine 3-point attempts. Tech was able to cut the deficit to six late in the first half, but the Cavaliers closed the half on a 14-4 run to take a 41-25 lead into the break. The Hokies fought back in the second half, tying the game at 51-51, but Virginia responded with an 8-0 run to regain control. Virginia Tech was never able to get over the hump, despite cutting the lead to four on multiple occasions.

  • Virginia jumped out to a 12-0 lead to start the game.
  • Tech cut the deficit to 27-21 with 5:50 remaining in the first half.
  • Virginia closed the first half on a 14-4 run to take a 41-25 lead into the break.
  • Tech scored seven straight points to open the second half and cut the deficit to 41-32.
  • The Hokies tied the game at 51-51 before Virginia responded with an 8-0 run.

The players

Ben Hammond

A Virginia Tech player who finished with 21 points, five assists, five steals and four rebounds.

Ugonna Onyenso

A Virginia player who scored 16 points to lead the Cavaliers.

Malik Thomas

A Virginia player who also scored 16 points for the Cavaliers.

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What they’re saying

“Barring an extended ACC Tournament run, this looks to be another disappointing season that ends with a trip to the NIT.”

— Mike Young, Virginia Tech Head Coach (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Virginia Tech will open the ACC Tournament on Tuesday as the 12th seed, facing the 13th-seeded Wake Forest. The Hokies will need a deep run in the conference tournament to have any chance of making the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This loss is a significant setback for Virginia Tech’s NCAA Tournament hopes, as the Hokies were unable to pick up a marquee win against their in-state rival. The team’s struggles early on proved too much to overcome, and they’ll now likely need an extended run in the ACC Tournament to have a chance at making the Big Dance.