Wake Forest faces Virginia Tech today in a critical ACC home opener as the Demon Deacons look to snap a two-game losing streak. The Hokies, coming off a thrilling triple-overtime victory over No. 21 Virginia, bring a 12-2 record and a six-game winning streak into LJVM Coliseum for a noon tip-off on ACC Network.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Wake Forest dropped their ACC opener 70-57 to NC State yesterday, scoring their season low
- Virginia Tech (12-2, 1-0 ACC) enters with Ben Hammond fresh off a 30-point game against Virginia
- Juke Harris leads the Demon Deacons with 19.7 PPG, ranking sixth in ACC scoring
- Wake Forest has won 29 ACC home games since 2021-22, tied for third-most in the conference
Bouncing Back at Home After Road Struggles
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Wake Forest enters today’s matchup needing a response after consecutive disappointing performances away from home. Against NC State yesterday, the Demon Deacons scored just 57 points, their lowest output of the season. Omaha Biliew was a bright spot with 18 points and 10 rebounds in his first career double-double, while Juke Harris added 17 points and six rebounds.
The real issue for Wake Forest has been inconsistency against stronger opponents. The team took Michigan to overtime as No. 1 and fell 85-84, then lost to Texas Tech by one point before suffering blowouts to Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and NC State. Playing at home should be a significant advantage—the Demon Deacons have maintained one of college basketball’s premier home environments with a 68-12 home record since the 2021-22 season.
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Myles Colvin has provided consistent scoring alongside Harris, putting together a strong December with double figures in four straight games, including a 20-point performance against Vanderbilt. However, Wake Forest must improve its three-point shooting and ball security to compete against Virginia Tech’s strong perimeter defense.
Virginia Tech Dealing with Injury Questions After Dramatic Win
Virginia Tech earned a dramatic 95-85 triple-overtime victory over No. 21 Virginia on Wednesday, marking their fourth overtime win of the season. However, the Hokies face significant injury concerns entering today. Tobi Lawal, Tyler Johnson, and Antonio Dorn are all ruled out, while Neoklis Avdalas—the team’s primary playmaker—rolled his ankle late against Virginia and his availability remains uncertain.
Ben Hammond emerged as the hero Wednesday with a career-high 30 points, showcasing the speed and court vision that makes the 6’2″ guard invaluable to Mike Young’s system. Amani Hansberry continues as the Hokies’ most consistent threat, averaging 16.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 3.2 APG while shooting 49% from the field. Christian Gurdak, a true freshman, impressed with 17 points and 19 rebounds against Virginia, providing critical frontcourt depth.
Virginia Tech’s defense has been strong, particularly at forcing turnovers and preventing opponents from getting into rhythm from three-point range. The Hokies rank among the best at controlling the glass, though their defensive rebounding remains a weakness that Wake Forest could potentially exploit with an active approach.
Key Matchup Factors and Statistical Overview
| Category | Wake Forest | Virginia Tech |
| Overall Record | 9-5 | 12-2 |
| ACC Record | 0-1 | 1-0 |
| Home Record | 8-2 | TBA |
| Leading Scorer | Juke Harris, 19.7 PPG | Amani Hansberry, 16.3 PPG |
| Turnovers Forced | 219 (2nd ACC) | Elite Defense |
Defense and Defensive Rebounding Could Decide the Contest
Wake Forest has built one of the nation’s best defensive identities, forcing 219 turnovers this season—second-most in the ACC and inside the top 25 nationally. The Demon Deacons’ active hands have created opportunities throughout the season, with Myles Colvin recording four steals just yesterday. However, they must be careful not to foul as Virginia Tech’s guards excel at drawing contact.
Virginia Tech’s main challenge will be controlling the offensive glass. Tre’Von Spillers (12 PPG, 5.9 RPG) plays with tremendous energy and can frustrate Gurdak with his interior activity. If Wake Forest can prevent second-chance scoring opportunities, they neutralize one of Virginia Tech’s offensive strengths. Another critical factor: Juden Schutt’s three-point shooting for the Hokies will be essential to opening up the inside game for Hansberry and Gurdak.
Wake Forest struggled against NC State with ball movement and offensive rhythm, while Virginia Tech thrives when teams try to match their pace. The Demon Deacons must slow the game down, limit transition opportunities, and force the Hokies to execute in the halfcourt despite potential injury limitations.
Why This Matchup Could Go Either Way
Wake Forest presents an interesting puzzle for Virginia Tech. The Hokies’ statistical edge is clear—better record, stronger offense, and Ben Hammond’s recent explosion. However, Steve Forbes has consistently given Mike Young trouble in this matchup, and Wake Forest’s home court advantage is genuine with 68 home wins since 2021-22.
The injury situation for Virginia Tech cannot be ignored. Without Avdalas, the Hokies lose their primary ball handler and playmaker, forcing heavier reliance on Hammond to control the offense. Wake Forest could attack the Virginia Tech paint more aggressively with a short-handed frontcourt. The early tipoff (noon) also favors teams that play more deliberately rather than trying to push tempo.
Previous meetings show competitiveness—Wake Forest defeated Virginia Tech 72-63 as recently as January 18, 2025. If the Demon Deacons can replicate that home energy and execute defensively like they did yesterday with four steals from Colvin, they have every reason to believe they can bounce back in this crucial ACC home opener.
Sources
- Wake Forest Athletics – Official ACC home opener preview and team statistics
- 247Sports – Virginia Tech matchup analysis and injury updates
- ESPN – Conference standings and individual player statistics
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.