Virginia Tech 76–74 Syracuse: Ben Hammond’s 24 Points and Tobi Lawal’s Double-Double Lead Hokies to Stunning ACC Road Comeback
The Virginia Tech Hokies pulled off a thrilling ACC road upset, edging the Syracuse Orange 76–74 at the JMA Wireless Dome in a game that swung dramatically in the second half. Guard Ben Hammond led the charge with 24 points, six steals, and a perfect late-game free-throw performance, while forward Tobi Lawal added a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double to help the Hokies overcome a double-digit first-half deficit.
The win improved Virginia Tech to 15–5 overall and 4–3 in ACC play, while Syracuse fell to 12–7 and 3–3 in the conference after a home collapse.
First Half: Syracuse Blazes Early from Beyond the Arc
Syracuse came out strong, relying on hot shooting to take control of the first half. After Virginia Tech opened with a 10–7 lead, the Orange went on a 13–3 run, fueled by three early triples from guard Nate Kingz. Sadiq White Jr. added another three-pointer, pushing the lead to 23–13 and forcing a Hokies timeout.
Virginia Tech stayed competitive by attacking inside, scoring 18 of their first 30 points in the paint, but Syracuse maintained a 37–30 lead at halftime after William Kyle III capped the half with a one-handed slam.
Key First-Half Stats:
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Syracuse: 26–of–61 FG (43%), 7–of–12 3PT (58%), 18–of–20 FT (90%)
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Virginia Tech: 23–of–51 FG (45%), 3–of–9 3PT (33%), 14–of–16 FT (88%)
At halftime, Syracuse controlled the tempo with its perimeter shooting, while Virginia Tech relied on interior scoring and resilience to stay within striking distance.
Second Half: Hokies Storm Back and Dominate at the Line
Virginia Tech flipped the script after the break. Syracuse’s offense cooled significantly, committing 20 fouls in the second half. The Hokies capitalized by knocking down 25 of 33 free throws, with Ben Hammond going 12–of–13 at the line.
Virginia Tech outscored Syracuse 46–37 in the second half, combining inside scoring, perimeter balance, and defensive pressure to erase a double-digit deficit. Tobi Lawal’s presence inside helped the Hokies secure critical rebounds and finish possessions, while Hammond’s steals and timely drives set the tone for the comeback.
In the final minutes, Hammond calmly converted clutch free throws, and the Hokies made defensive stops that preserved a 2-point road victory.
Box Score Highlights
Virginia Tech Hokies (76):
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Ben Hammond: 24 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds, 4 assists – efficient shooting (5–of–10 FG, 2–of–4 3PT, 12–of–13 FT)
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Tobi Lawal: 16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks – dominated inside and on the glass
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Supporting cast: Hokies hit timely shots and free throws, combining for 76 points despite shooting just 23–of–51 overall
Syracuse Orange (74):
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J.J. Starling: 12 points
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Nate Kingz: 11 points
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Sadiq White Jr.: 11 points
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William Kyle III & Donnie Freeman: 10 points each
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Team stats: 26–of–61 FG (43%), 10–of–23 3PT (43%), outrebounded 36–34 by VT
Takeaways From Virginia Tech vs Syracuse
1. Hokies’ Road Resilience:
Virginia Tech showcased toughness by overcoming a 10-point first-half deficit in hostile territory. The late-game composure, especially at the line, was a defining factor.
2. Hammond as the Go-To Option:
Ben Hammond’s 24 points, six steals, and clutch free throws highlighted his ability to control the game on both ends and be the primary offensive option when it mattered most.
3. Lawal’s Interior Dominance:
Tobi Lawal’s double-double ensured Virginia Tech could withstand Syracuse’s early three-point barrage and maintain control in the paint.
4. Syracuse’s Second-Half Collapse:
Despite a hot start from deep, 20 fouls and 9 turnovers in the second half undid the Orange’s early lead, emphasizing issues with discipline and closing out tight games.
Final Thoughts
Virginia Tech’s 76–74 win over Syracuse is a signature ACC road victory that underscores the Hokies’ ability to compete in tight, hostile environments. Hammond and Lawal’s standout performances were crucial, and the team’s composure down the stretch will be key as the conference season intensifies.