Hokie Heartbreak: Ben Hammond’s Career Night Falls Short in Overtime Loss
Hokie Heartbreak: Ben Hammond’s Career Night Falls Short in Overtime Loss
The Virginia Tech Hokies saw their NCAA Tournament aspirations likely vanish in the Charlotte night following a grueling 95-89 overtime loss to Wake Forest. Despite a valiant effort and several chances to win the game in regulation, the Hokies couldn't find the final stop or bucket needed to advance. The story of the night for Tech was the inspired play of sophomore guard Ben Hammond, who played 40 minutes and did everything in his power to keep the Hokies' season alive.
Hammond was the spark that ignited a late Hokie comeback in regulation. Trailing 71-66 with four minutes left, Hammond spearheaded a run that saw him notch 23 points on the night, including a pinpoint 75% shooting mark from beyond the arc. His defensive intensity was equally impactful, as he recorded two steals and a block, keeping the Hokies within striking distance. However, a missed runner in the lane by Hammond with two seconds left in regulation, followed by a missed tip-in at the buzzer, forced an extra session that would eventually favor the Deacons.
Statistical Breakdown and Team Effort
Virginia Tech (19-13) dominated the glass in a way that usually guarantees victory, outrebounding Wake Forest 45-28 and pulling down a staggering 21 offensive boards. Jailen Bedford was a force on the boards, snagging a season-high eight rebounds to go along with his 11 second-half points. Forward Tobi Lawal also reached double figures for the 12th time against ACC opponents this season, finishing with 12 points. Despite these advantages, 13 turnovers proved costly, leading to 18 points for Wake Forest.
The Hokies' shooting struggled to match Wake Forest's efficiency; while Tech took 10 more shots than the Deacons, they finished at just 41% from the field compared to Wake's 51%. Jaden Schutt provided a boost off the bench with 15 points, including three triples, but the collective effort fell just short in the overtime period as Wake Forest answered every Tech basket with clutch free throws.
A Season of Narrow Margins
The loss marks a frustrating conclusion to a season defined by close calls. The Hokies started the year 4-0 in one-possession games but struggled in similar scenarios down the stretch. Head coach Mike Young utilized his 10th different starting lineup of the season on Tuesday, featuring Hammond, Bedford, Neoklis Avdalas, Lawal, and Christian Gurdak, searching for a combination that could find late-game consistency.
As the Hokies head back to Blacksburg, they sit on the outside looking in for March Madness, currently ranked 55th in the NET. With Hammond's emergence as a premier scoring threat and Lawal's interior presence, the foundation for next year is evident, but the sting of the missed opportunities in Charlotte will linger. For Ben Hammond, a career-high performance on the big stage will be a small consolation for a tournament run that ended far too soon.
