Virginia Tech basketball: Hokies fall to N.C. State 82-73

The Virginia Tech Hokies had the opportunity to add an impressive win on their resume Saturday, facing the red-hot N.C. State Wolfpack in Raleigh. Unfortunately, a slow start would prove too much to overcome for Tech, as State won 82-73.

The Hokies were terrible in the first half, shooting just under 27% from the field, making only four baskets inside the 3-point line. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack shot 48% from the field in the first 20 minutes. N.C. State jumped out in front of Virginia Tech 20-7 eight minutes into the game.

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The Hokies fought back, scoring nine points in a row to make it a 20-16 game. A few moments later, Jailen Bedford knocked down a 3-pointer, and all of a sudden, it was a 24-21 game. Then, it what would become the game’s theme, the Wolfpack responded with a big run, outscoring VT 12-1 to go into halftime with a 36-24 lead.

For the first several minutes of the second half, the Wolfpack would maintain anywhere from an 8-point lead to a 12-point lead. But the Hokies appeared to respond again. After going down 54-43, Virginia Tech would respond with eight quick points, including a pair of Jaden Schutt threes to make it 54-51.

That’s where the fun ended.

N.C. State immediately pulled back ahead 64-52 and built a lead as big as 14 points, comfortably putting the Hokies away over the final 10 minutes.

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The loss is Virginia Tech’s third in its last four games, dropping them to 16-8 on the season and 5-6 in ACC play. Things do not get easier either, as a road game at No. 20 Clemson (10-1 in ACC play) on Wednesday. With seven games remaining, the Hokies need a strong finish to make the NCAA Tournament. Their lack of consistency is concerning. Freshman guard Neoklis Avdalas was better on Saturday, making 5 of 6 from the field and scoring 14 points. Avdalas didn’t appear to force shots as he has done in recent weeks.

Amani Hansberry led the Hokies with 19 points, but was 7 of 19 from the field. He also had seven rebounds. Tobi Lawal had…

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Publish date : 2026-02-08 05:01:00

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