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- Ending with a classic
Ending with a classic
Virginia Tech's 3 OT win over No. 21 Virginia ensured we got one last wildly entertaining game in 2025. Plus: St. John's couldn't miss, Duke got pushed, Will Wade went off on Darrion Williams detractors, and teams that need a big push to make the Big Dance.
Mike Miller
January 01, 2026
Good morning, and hello to 2026! It’s gonna be a great year.
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1. Hokies close out 2025 with classic 3OT win vs. UVa
The last day of 2025 gave us one last really entertaining, dramatic game. And I didn’t see this one coming.
Virginia Tech’s 95-85 triple overtime home victory over No. 21 Virginia had a little of everything: Superb individual performances (Ben Hammond and Malik Thomas), a throwback approach at times (Tony Bennett must have been smiling at only 70 possessions in 55 minutes), 17 ties, 20 lead changes and even a couple of dramatic shots.
Oh, and of course an upset of an in-state rival. That’s certainly what mattered most to Hokies coach Mike Young.
"Great admiration for (UVA), but dammit, I’ve got a good basketball team, too, alright? And I’m not gonna shy away from that," he said.
The Hokies (12-2, 1-0 in ACC) got 30 points off the bench from Hammond, which was essential because they were playing without Tobi Lawal and Tyler Johnson, who’ve combined for 13 starts and more than 20 points a game this season. He did most of his work from the free-throw line (16-of-18).
Christian Gurdak, Amani Hansberry and Neoklis Avdalas all had 17 points, but it was Gurdak who scored the bucket that forced double OT. That dunk was nothing compared to the wild shot that forced triple OT.
Hammond was the difference in the final period, with 11 points. The Cavs (11-2, 0-1) shot a season-low 36% from the floor. It was interesting to see Thomas (who had 26 points) only play 29 minutes. He was their best offensive player yesterday and wasn’t in foul trouble.
It won’t get any easier for them. They travel to NC State on Saturday.
2. St. John’s couldn’t miss in win over Hoyas
St. John’s fans (and probably Rick Pitino) will want to bottle Wednesday’s performance for future games.
