Ben Hammond’s Career Night Not Enough as Hokies Fall in ACC Heartbreaker

Virginia Tech sophomore guard Ben Hammond put on a shooting display for the ages on Tuesday night, pouring in a game-high 23 points in an overtime thriller against Wake Forest. Hammond was the catalyst for a spirited Hokies comeback in the second half, hitting a series of deep jumpers and acrobatic layups to force the extra period. Despite his heroic efforts, Virginia Tech ultimately fell short in a 95-89 loss, ending their stay at the 2026 ACC Tournament in Charlotte. Nevertheless, Hammond's performance served as a definitive breakout moment for one of the most promising young guards in the conference.

Hammond, a 5-foot-11 playmaker out of Manassas, Virginia, showed exactly why he was a highly touted recruit coming out of Paul VI High School. Throughout the game, he displayed a fearless intensity, consistently attacking the Wake Forest defense and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. He led all scorers and kept the Hokies (15-17) competitive even when the Demon Deacons threatened to pull away. His ability to navigate high-pressure situations in the tournament environment was a bright spot for a Virginia Tech team that has faced its share of adversity this season.

The Hokies' strategy centered around their dominance on the glass and Hammond's perimeter threat. Virginia Tech outrebounded Wake Forest 45-28, a staggering margin that gave them numerous second-chance opportunities. Jailen Bedford chipped in 17 points, and Jaden Schutt added 15, providing Hammond with the necessary support to keep the pressure on the Deacs. However, the Hokies struggled to match Wake Forest’s efficiency from the free-throw line, where the Demon Deacons went 27-of-30 compared to Virginia Tech's more modest output. This discrepancy proved to be the difference in a game decided by such narrow margins.

For Hammond, the 2025-26 season has been a significant step forward. Averaging 12.9 points and 3.3 assists per game, he has established himself as a reliable primary scoring option and an elite defensive presence, leading the team in steals. His growth from a true freshman role player to a sophomore leader has been one of the primary narratives of the Hokies' campaign. On Tuesday night, he proved he could handle the bright lights of March, even if the result wasn't what the fans in Blacksburg had hoped for.

As Virginia Tech shifts its focus to the future, the foundation provided by Hammond is undeniable. While the loss likely relegates them to postseason discussions outside of the NCAA Tournament, the experience gained by their young core in this overtime battle is invaluable. Hammond’s performance was a reminder that the Hokies have the talent to compete with the best in the ACC. If he continues to develop at this trajectory, he will undoubtedly be a preseason All-Conference candidate heading into next year. For now, the Hokies will reflect on a season of growth, highlighted by a guard who truly "went off" when it mattered most.