If you were looking for a nice, relaxing New Year’s Eve, you probably shouldn't have been in Blacksburg. While the rest of the world was chilling champagne, Virginia Tech vs Virginia basketball was busy breaking hearts and scoreboards. It wasn't just a game. It was a three-hour, three-overtime marathon that felt more like a street fight in sneakers than a tactical ACC chess match.
Honestly, the "Commonwealth Clash" usually follows a script. Virginia (UVA) slows the game to a crawl, Tech tries to speed it up, and everyone leaves with a headache. But this latest chapter? It threw the script out the window.
The Triple Overtime Thriller That Nobody Expected
Let’s be real: nobody enters Cassell Coliseum expecting a 95-85 shootout. Especially not against a Ryan Odom-led Virginia squad that usually treats a 70-point game like a moral failing. But on December 31, 2025, the basket looked like the size of the Atlantic Ocean for the Hokies' backcourt.
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Ben Hammond basically became a folk hero in about 45 minutes of game time. The kid dropped 30 points, and get this—20 of those came after the regulation buzzer. Imagine being a freshman and outscoring a ranked rival by yourself in the extra periods. It’s the stuff that gets you free meals in Blacksburg for life.
But it wasn't just Hammond. The Hokies' frontcourt, led by Christian Gurdak and Amani Hansberry, absolutely mauled the Cavaliers on the glass. Gurdak snagged 19 rebounds. Nineteen! He looked like he was playing against middle schoolers at times.
Why Virginia Couldn't Close the Door
UVA had chances. Plenty of them. They were up by two in the first overtime with 14 seconds left. A simple stop and they go home 13-2. Instead, they let Gurdak wander into the lane for a wide-open dunk. In the second overtime, they staged a miracle comeback of their own when Chance Mallory—who is only 5'11", mind you—grabbed an offensive board and put it back to force the third OT.
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The wheels finally fell off in that third extra period. Foul trouble is the silent killer in these long games, and the 'Hoos were bleeding players. By the time Amani Hansberry drained a three-pointer to put Tech up for good, Virginia looked gassed. They finished the game shooting just 36% from the floor. You aren't winning many ACC road games with those numbers.
The All-Time Numbers: Does UVA Still Own the State?
If you ask a Virginia fan, they’ll point to the trophy case. If you ask a Hokie, they’ll point to the last few years. The reality is a bit of a split.
- Overall Series: Virginia still holds a massive lead, sitting at 99-62 all-time.
- The Mike Young Era: Since Mike Young took over at Tech, the gap has shrunk. The Hokies have won three of the last five.
- The Home Court Hex: It is notoriously hard to win on the road in this rivalry. Before 2025, the road team was practically an underdog regardless of rank.
It's funny. You look at the history, and Virginia’s 48-point win in 1955 stands as this looming monument of dominance. But the modern era is much grittier. The games are closer. The hatred feels more... fresh.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
Most national media talking heads love to talk about the "Pace of Play." They act like Virginia is the only team that plays defense.
That’s a myth.
The December 31st game proved that Virginia Tech can be just as physical. They took 41 free throws. That isn't a fluke; it's a strategy. They dared the refs to blow the whistle and dared the UVA guards to stay in front of them. It worked.
Another misconception? That Virginia is "down" this year. Even after the loss to Tech, the Cavaliers are 14-2 and ranked in the Top 20. They are a legitimate contender to win the ACC. They just happened to run into a buzzsaw in Blacksburg. Ryan Odom has kept the "Pack Line" spirit alive, but he's added a bit more offensive freedom that makes them more dangerous—and more susceptible to high-scoring outbursts.
Key Players Who Are Moving the Needle
- Malik Thomas (UVA): The dude is a bucket. He put up 26 in the loss and has been the heartbeat of their offense.
- Thijs De Ridder (UVA): A mismatch nightmare. If he stays out of foul trouble, he's the best big man in the conference.
- Neoklis Avdalas (VT): He’s the "glue guy" that every championship-caliber team needs. His 17 points were quiet but essential.
How to Watch the Next Round
Mark your calendars for January 31, 2026. That’s the rematch. It’s moving to Charlottesville, which changes everything. John Paul Jones Arena is a house of horrors for visiting teams. If the Hokies want to sweep the season series, they have to do something they rarely do: win in front of a sea of orange and blue.
The ticket prices are already skyrocketing. It’s basically the Super Bowl for the state of Virginia. If you’re planning to go, get your parking pass now or prepare to walk three miles from the outskirts of campus.
Actionable Insights for the Rematch
If you’re betting on this or just trying to sound smart at the sports bar, keep these three things in mind:
- Watch the Foul Count: Tech lives at the free-throw line. If UVA’s bigs get two fouls in the first ten minutes, the Hokies will win the game in the paint again.
- Three-Point Variance: Virginia took 45 threes in the last game. That is insane for them. If they regress to their normal 20-25 attempts, expect a much lower-scoring affair.
- The Fatigue Factor: These teams are playing high-intensity minutes. Check the injury report for lingering calf or hamstring issues, especially after a 3OT game that took a lot out of both rosters.
Virginia Tech proved they can punch up. Virginia proved they won't go away quietly. The Commonwealth Clash isn't just a local rivalry anymore; it's a barometer for who actually runs the ACC. Stay tuned for the January 31st showdown, because if it's even half as good as the New Year’s Eve game, we’re in for a classic.
Next Steps: Check the latest ACC standings to see how these teams are positioned for the conference tournament. You might also want to look up the scouting report on Ben Hammond before he becomes a household name during March Madness.