Hokies Squeeze Past Orange in 76-74 Road Win Against Syracuse

Ben Hammond’s 24-point outburst kept Virginia Tech alive on the way to its fourth win against ACC opponents.

Heading into Wednesday’s contest, Tech was sitting on the outside looking in on many early March Madness bracketologies. Widely considered a bubble team throughout the past month, the Hokies looked to get some momentum to try to secure a stronger foothold in the final months heading into the tournament. They would look to do that on the road against a 12-6 Syracuse team.

Though Tech was able to keep the score close to start the game, Syracuse quickly pulled away and went on multiple runs to expand its lead despite the Hokies narrowing their deficit. The Orange – for the most part – controlled the game in the first half, and Syracuse led 37-30 going into halftime.

Hammond kept the Hokies’ scoring intact in the first half. The sophomore returner totaled eight points in part from two made three-pointers.

Though scoring looked grim for the maroon & orange in the first half, the Hokies fought their way back into the game coming out of halftime. Tech was able to tie the game at 45 points each with 11:22 remaining in the contest via a three-point corner dagger from Jaden Schutt.

In the final five minutes of Wednesday’s contest is where Tech burst through the scoring gate. After keeping pace with Syracuse in the latter part of the second half, the Hokies broke off on an 11-2 run after the final five-minute mark.

Despite the Hokies being up nine points with just over a minute left to play, Syracuse was able to draw to within one score in the final minute of the game – a sight Tech fans have become all too familiar with throughout the month of January.

Regardless, the Hokies were on the right side of the close game, as a clutch inbound pass sent Neoklis Avdalas to the line with the Hokies ahead by two points with seven seconds remaining. Though Avdalas would make his first free throw, his second would not fall, and the Orange had a chance to get back possession of the ball.

However, Tobi Lawal saved the day for the Hokies as he nabbed the rebound from Avdalas’s free throw. Lawal would get fouled, and he would go on to make both of his free throws. Those extra two points proved critical, as Syracuse made a last second three-pointer that would have tied the game had Lawal not made his shots at the line. Despite trailing for most of Wednesday's contest, the Hokies came out on top with the 76-74 win.

Hammond remained as the Hokies’ leading scorer through the end of the game. He added on an additional 16 points in the second half, giving him a 24-point total on the night. Most of his points were due in part from the two aforementioned three pointers in addition to going 12-13 from the line.

Not to be overshadowed by Hammond’s performance, Lawal picked up his fourth consecutive game with over 10 points as he knocked down 10 free throws en route to a 16-point showing on the night. He also posted a second consecutive double-double outing after grabbing 11 rebounds against the Orange.

Avdalas and Amani Hansberry rounded out Tech’s double-digit scoring Wednesday night, as the duo recorded 10 points each.

The Hokies will be back on the road shortly as they head to Louisville to take on the 13-5 Cardinals. Currently ranked at No. 23 in the AP Poll, Louisville will likely be yet another test for Tech as it closes out the final week of January.

Tech’s win against Syracuse was great for morale; there is no doubt about it. However, the Hokies do not win that game without Hammond – and Lawal for that matter. Tech will need to not only improve with late-game clock management, but it will also need to see more scoring from other players. Regardless, a win is a win, and a win is what the Hokies needed before heading into Louisville.