Hokies Have To Regroup After 81-75 Loss To SMU (2-5-25)

By: Joey Raymond

Headline Photo Credit: Jason Wiley-LMS Network

Blacksburg, VA –Virginia Tech returns to Cassell Coliseum riding a wave of momentum after a historic win in Charlottesville last weekend. The Hokies edged out Virginia, 75-74, marking their first road victory over the Cavaliers since 2018 and securing back-to-back wins in the rivalry for the first time in 14 years. Jaden Schutt (18 points) and Tobi Lawal (17 points) led the charge, as Tech put on a sharpshooting display, hitting 52.4% from beyond the arc—its best three-point performance in Charlottesville in program history. With that statement win behind them, the Hokies now turn their attention to SMU, looking to keep their hot streak alive in front of their home crowd. Let’s take a closer look at how the matchup with the Mustangs shaped up. 

First Half:

Virginia Tech wasted no time getting on the board, winning the opening tip and scoring the game’s first points. SMU quickly responded to even the score before Ben Hammond knocked down a clutch three-pointer to put the Hokies ahead 5-2. Moments later, Jaden Schutt drilled another three after an SMU airball, extending the early lead to 8-2.

However, SMU clawed its way back, capitalizing on free throws and a big three-pointer from Kario Oquendo to trim the deficit to 8-7. The Mustangs then took their first lead at 9-8, sparked by a scoring drought on both ends before Oquendo broke through with a mid-range jumper. SMU kept the momentum going as Boopie Miller drained an open three to push the lead to 12-8.

Virginia Tech stayed aggressive on the boards and found some success at the free-throw line, but SMU continued to control the pace, extending its lead to 16-11. The Hokies finally broke through with a powerful dunk from Lynn Kidd, making it 18-13. A series of quick runs from both teams brought the score to 21-18 before a defensive stand by both sides led to a brief scoring drought.

With 7:57 remaining, Tobi Lawal was fouled under the basket and knocked down both free throws to bring the Hokies within one at 21-20. Lawal played a pivotal role in keeping Virginia Tech in the game, especially on the offensive glass. The teams continued trading baskets, with SMU’s Matt Cross hitting two free throws to make it 27-24.

A chaotic sequence followed as the Hokies raced down the court after a steal, leading to two massive blocks that sent Cassell Coliseum into a frenzy. However, a foul on Poteat sent the Mustangs to the line, where they split the free throws to extend their lead to 28-24.

Virginia Tech responded with a quick bucket and a pair of free throws from Poteat, cutting the deficit to 30-27. Then, Schutt electrified the crowd with a deep three from the logo, tying the game at 30-30. The Mustangs briefly reclaimed the lead, but a Brandon Rechsteiner three-pointer pushed Tech ahead 35-32. SMU answered right back with a three of their own, knotting the game at 35-35. The Hokies had a chance to take the lead into halftime but couldn’t convert, and after a missed SMU opportunity, the teams entered the break tied at 35.

Second Half:

The second half began with a few empty possessions from both sides, but the Hokies were the first to strike, taking a 37-35 lead. Poteat extended that lead to 39-35 after another empty possession by SMU. SMU missed two free throws, earning everyone in Cassell some free bacon, but they quickly made up for it, bringing the score to 39-37.

Ben Hammond scored a huge layup, making it 41-37, but SMU quickly tied the game at 41-41 with a small run of their own. Virginia Tech answered with a massive dunk from Ben Burnham, regaining the lead, only for SMU to tie it up again with a jump shot. After some free throws, the Hokies led 46-44, but SMU responded with a dunk to tie the game once more. Burnham nailed a three-pointer for the Hokies, but SMU countered with one of their own, keeping the game tied.

SMU took the lead again, 50-48, after a Hokies empty possession. The Hokies tied it up with a layup, marking the ninth tie of the game. The Hokies then scored after an empty Mustang possession, taking the lead 52-50. SMU regained the lead with a three-pointer, but the Hokies responded with a layup to go back in front. The lead swapped back and forth until about 10 minutes left when the game was tied yet again.

For the next minute, it remained tied until the Mustangs hit a huge three-pointer to take the lead. The Hokies responded with 2 points, bringing the score to 59-58. The Hokies then took a 61-58 lead, but SMU tied it up again at 61-61. SMU took the lead with a quick layup, making it 63-61, but the Hokies tied it up again. SMU then hit a huge three-pointer to go up 66-63 and stretched that lead to 68-65 with another 2 points.

The Hokies cut the lead to 68-65, but SMU’s free throws pushed the lead to 69-65. They extended it further to 71-65 shortly after. A Hokies free throw made it 71-66, and more free throws moments later brought the score to 71-68. SMU hit a three-pointer, extending their lead to 74-68. Missed free throws by the Hokies made all the difference. SMU then hit another three-pointer, giving them their largest lead of the night at 77-68.

With 1:10 left, Jaden Schutt hit a huge three for the Hokies, making it 77-71. On the pass-in, the Hokies forced a turnover, resulting in two free throws by Tobi Lawal, bringing the score to 77-73. The Hokies forced a perfect trap play, forcing an SMU timeout—their last. SMU threw up an airball, giving the Hokies an opportunity. SMU fouled the Hokies, leading to two free throws by Hammond, making it 77-75.

With 20.5 seconds left, the Hokies needed a turnover on the inbound or they’d have to foul. They didn’t get the turnover and fouled instead. SMU hit both free throws, making it 79-75, virtually sealing the win. SMU got fouled again before the clock ran out, stretching their lead to 81-75, where the game ended.

Final Thoughts: 

Virginia Tech started strong, with key contributions from players like Ben Hammond and Jaden Schutt. Mylyjael Poteat was the game-maker for the Hokies, achieving a double-double with 15 points on 6-7 shooting and 10 rebounds. His performance was pivotal in keeping Virginia Tech competitive. However, SMU’s ability to capitalize on free throws and three-pointers, along with standout performances from Matt Cross, who scored 21 points, and Chuck Harris, who added 20 points, allowed them to stay in the game and even take the lead multiple times. Both teams traded leads frequently, with neither side able to establish a significant advantage. The first half ended in a tie, setting the stage for an intense second half.

The second half was a nail-biter, with both teams continuing to swap leads and tie the game repeatedly. Virginia Tech’s aggressive play and critical free throws kept them in contention but missed opportunities ultimately made the difference. In the final minutes, SMU’s clutch free throws and timely three-pointers sealed their victory, despite a valiant effort by the Hokies to mount a comeback. The game ended with SMU securing an 81-75 win, leaving the Hokies to regroup and focus on their next challenge.