Hokies Fall in OT to Wake Forest, NCAA Hopes Hang by Thread

0:00On March 11, Virginia Tech's man's basketball team suffered a tough 95-89 overtime loss to Wake Forest in the first round of the ACC Tournament. This defeat likely knocks the Hokies out of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year, ending their season on a sour note. The Hokies defense crumbled in the second half, and over time, letting Wake Forest go on several quick runs. Seven Demon Deacon's player scored in double figures, including a 6-to-nothing spurt late in regulation, and a 5-to-nothing start in extra time, that Virginia Tech can never fully erase. Coach Mike Young called it a disappointing outcome, praising Wake Forest for playing just a bit better. On a brighter side, Ben Hammond led with 23 points, and the Hokies dominated rebounding by 17 while hitting 23 of. 27 free throws and limiting turnovers after half time. Despite those edges, Virginia Tech struggled to close out, missing key shots in the final seconds and falling into an early overtime hole.

1:00It marked their eighth single-digit loss to an ACC opponent this season, often by just a possession or two. Now the team waits for Sunday March 15th, when the NCAA brackets and NIT feel get announced, hoping for a postseason lifeline.