Virginia Tech Hangs On Against California 78-75 (1-10-26)
By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Virginia Tech Basketball
Blacksburg, VA — Virginia Tech men’s basketball returned home to Cassell Coliseum on Sunday afternoon and outlasted California, 79–75, in an ACC matchup defined by momentum swings, heavy foul trouble, and late-game execution. The Hokies leaned on balanced scoring, defensive pressure, and a strong night at the free-throw line to secure the win and steady themselves early in conference play.
California entered the contest intent on pushing tempo behind guards Dai Dai Ames and John Camden, while Virginia Tech countered with a more methodical approach led by Amani Hansberry inside and the playmaking of Neoklis Avdalas. For the fourth consecutive game, the Hokies’ starting lineup featured Avdalas, Jailen Bedford, Jaden Schutt, Hansberry, and Christian Gurdak, a group that once again set the tone on both ends of the floor.
With students still away for winter break, Enter Sandman felt noticeably softer than usual to start, but Virginia Tech opened with energy. Gurdak scored the game’s first points on a wide-open dunk before California answered through Ames. Tech leaned on defensive pressure and worked on the glass early, with Hansberry and Bedford each converting at the free-throw line to help build a 16–10 lead midway through the half. Schutt added an early three-pointer — extending his streak of hitting at least one three-pointer in every game this season — as the Hokies looked comfortable early.
California responded with a surge, ripping off a 14–0 run as Tech went scoreless for more than four minutes. The Golden Bears capitalized at the foul line and from deep, highlighted by a three from Nolan Dorsey and free throws from Semetri Carr, stretching the lead to 29–18. Virginia Tech steadied itself late in the half behind Avdalas, who sparked an 11–0 response with a basket, multiple steals, and transition opportunities. A thunderous dunk from Tobi Lawal brought Cassell to life, and Ben Hammond capped the run with an and-one in the final minute to tie the game at 37–37 heading into halftime.
California opened the second half with another jolt, as Chris Bell drilled a three, drew a foul, and completed a four-point play before adding another basket moments later. The half quickly became whistle-heavy, but Virginia Tech stayed within striking distance behind timely baskets from Hansberry and Bedford. A Bedford three following a Cal turnover tied the game at 45–45, a snapshot of how Tech repeatedly turned defense into offense throughout the night. The Hokies finished with 23 points off turnovers compared to Cal’s 10.
The middle portion of the half turned into a possession-by-possession battle. Ames continued to score for California, but Hansberry countered with a timely three, while Gurdak kept Tech close at the free-throw line. Foul trouble became a factor for the Golden Bears, as both Lee Dort and Mantas Kocanas fouled out, opening the door for Virginia Tech late. With just over eight minutes remaining, the game was tied at 58–58, setting up a tense finish.
Down the stretch, Virginia Tech found answers from multiple sources. Avdalas delivered a highlight-reel basket out of a timeout to give the Hokies a late lead, while Hansberry and Gurdak remained steady at the line. Tech finished the night shooting a season-best 87.1% from the charity stripe, knocking down 27 of 31 free throws — a decisive edge in a one-possession game. After forcing a turnover on Cal’s inbound with under seven seconds remaining, the Hokies sealed the win at the line, holding on for a 79–75 victory.
Six Hokies scored in double figures, led by Hansberry’s 15 points, with Bedford (13), Gurdak (12), Avdalas (11), Schutt (11), and Lawal (10) all contributing to a balanced offensive effort. In a game that demanded composure and execution, Virginia Tech delivered just enough in the closing moments to protect its home floor.
