The Hokies carried some growing pains headed into the week.

Before the team's first ACC matchup of the season, they'd sloped into a five-game drought with fans beginning to check out the 2024-25 season. The urgency of getting into the win column at Cassel Coliseum was dire. To make a statement against the 18th-ranked team in the nation would change the tide for Mike Young's crew. It's safe to say that sentiment was prioritized right at tip-off.

Despite the final score, this game brought hope to this team. 

Tobi Lawal's continued development has been a beacon of light for Virginia Tech. Throughout the year, Young established Lawal's threat as a slasher before anything else, which was the team's best course of action against Pitt. In some games, he drives at high volume, in others, he’s getting spot-up looks. Lawal has seen a mix of both in his best outings, and that’s exactly what we saw in his 16-point performance against the Panthers. He was a force on the team's 36-28 start, leading the team with nine points off 4-6 shooting from the field to end the first half. His energy on the court and going into the huddle was a driving force for the Hokies.

"You have to keep the energy," Tobi Lawal said. "I've learned to find ways to give every single one of my teammates energy... even if [Pitt] is going on a run."

Duke Transfer Jaden Schutt has stepped into the role Hunter Cattoor once had for Coach Young. He's consistently led the force from beyond the arch, finishing his second straight game with 10+ attempts from three-point range. He and Lawal led the team in scoring, paired with zero turnovers. Unfortunately, the rest of the squad failed to withhold that ball security. The team finished with a gutting 17 turnovers. A slew of missed opportunities led Virginia Tech to their first home loss to the Panthers since 2003, falling to Pitt 64-59.

"A lot of Coach Young's teams have been low turnover, very efficient with the ball," Jaden Schutt said. "17 [turnovers] is way too much. It's the little things we've got to work on every day and keep being disciplined."

While turnovers remained an issue, the Hokies clouded over it with their efficiency in dominating fashion against North Carolina A&T.

The starting unit wasn't the storyline on the night. However, Tobi Lawal continued his consistent presence on offense. He notched his fifth double-digit scoring outing in the last six games. While Lawal played his typical brand of ball, Ben Hammond and Rodney Brown Jr. outshined the rest of the starters off the bench. 

Virginia Tech has been in desperate need of a spark in the secondary unit. Rodney Brown Jr. is seeing his minutes increase every week and is taking advantage of it. 13 points while shooting 3-5 from deep is a massive step in his development under Coach Young. Ben Hammond also made the most of his opportunities, leading the team with 17 points on a perfect shooting line.

The Hokies still need to work on ball security, turning the ball over 16 times in this matchup. They overshadowed that by trampling North Carolina A&T with their ball movement. 24 assists to the Aggies' ten paired with 50% from the field is a recipe for success. 

The Hokies finally have a winning streak once again.

Two home games have proven victorious for the Hokies, giving them their first win streak since their 3-0 start. While fans want to see this play translate to higher-level opponents, the loss to Pitt might've been the spark Coach Young's group needed. 

The secondary unit has stepped up after a slow start to the year. Ben Burnham showed out, leading the team with 17 points. The Fort Mill native was lights out, putting on a 77.8% night from the field. His ability as a spot-up shooter was exploited against the Navy, but he wasn't alone in that regard. Rodney Brown Jr. was automatic yet again, shooting 3/4 from beyond the arch and finishing with 11 points.

The real story of this game, and more so this week, is freshman Ben Hammond coming into his own. Losing Sean Pedulla in the portal this offseason left a gaping hole at the point guard position. Brandon Rechsteiner has served as the starter, but his turnovers have hurt his ability to get comfortable as a playmaker. Hammond has suffered from a lack of opportunity. He's played the most he has this year in the last two games and is stepping up. He shot 83% on the week, paired with a perfect 4/4 from deep. The offense also looks smoother when he's the lead passer. His style of play best mimics what Pedulla thrived off of in Coach Young's system. While he and Rechsteiner have struggled with turning the ball over, Hammonds's offensive efficiency makes up for those mistakes. After what he's done this past week, Hammond is making a strong case to crack the starting lineup.

Finals week is still underway, so the Hokies have some time before their next game. They'll have another break in the schedule for the holidays before they begin the bulk of their ACC play. Here's what their schedule looks like in the coming weeks:

December 21st vs Saint Joseph's on CBSSN 

*ESPN Matchup Predictor lists the Hokies as having a 38% chance of winning at home.

December 31st @ #5 Duke on ACCN

*Superstar Cooper Flagg leads the team with 15.9 points per game, scoring 20 against Louisville in their only ACC matchup.

January 4th vs Miami (FL)

*Miami has been undefeated against the Hokies since 2021. Transfer Lynn Kidd makes his return to Blacksburg.