Sebastian Akins’ Clutch Heroics Propel Wake Forest Past Virginia Tech in OT Thriller

In a high-stakes showdown at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, sophomore guard Sebastian Akins delivered the defining moment of the game with a powerful and-1 conversion in overtime to secure Wake Forest's 95-89 victory over Virginia Tech. With the Demon Deacons' season essentially on the line in the opening round of the 2026 ACC Tournament, Akins drove through contact, finished at the rim, and sank the subsequent free throw to give Wake Forest the cushion they needed to advance. The victory keeps the Deacs' postseason aspirations alive and sends them into the next round with significant momentum.

The game was a back-and-forth affair that saw multiple lead changes throughout regulation. Wake Forest took a narrow 38-34 lead into the locker room at halftime, but the Hokies roared back in the second half, led by a relentless offensive push. The Demon Deacons found themselves trailing late in regulation before forcing the extra period. Once in overtime, Wake Forest found another gear, outscoring Virginia Tech 20-14. They were nearly flawless from the charity stripe, hitting all nine of their free throws in the extra session to seal the win.

Myles Colvin was the primary engine for the Demon Deacons for much of the night, finishing with a team-high 18 points and six rebounds. However, it was the depth of the Wake Forest rotation that ultimately overwhelmed the Hokies. Sebastian Akins finished with 14 points, showing the poise of a veteran despite his sophomore status. Other key contributors included Mekhi Mason and Tre'Von Spillers, who each added 13 points, while Cooper Schwieger and Juke Harris also reached double figures. This balanced attack made it difficult for Virginia Tech to focus their defensive efforts on any single threat.

Wake Forest's efficiency was a major storyline, as the team shot 51% from the field (30-of-59) and a blistering 90% from the free-throw line (27-of-30). This precision was necessary to counteract a massive rebounding deficit; the Hokies dominated the glass 45-28. Despite giving up numerous second-chance opportunities, the Demon Deacons compensated with elite ball security and clutch shot-making when it mattered most. Under head coach Steve Forbes, Wake Forest has developed a reputation for being a tough out in tournament settings, and this performance only solidified that narrative.

Looking ahead, the road doesn't get any easier for the Deacs (17-15). By moving past the Hokies, they face a quick turnaround against a rested opponent in the second round. For a team currently sitting on the NCAA Tournament bubble, every win in Charlotte is precious. If Akins continues to play with the "ice in his veins" mentality he displayed in overtime, Wake Forest could be a dark horse to make a deep run into the weekend. For now, they can celebrate a hard-fought victory that was as much about grit as it was about talent.