{"id":33667,"date":"2026-01-07T23:00:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T03:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/stanford-edges-virginia-tech-69-68-last-night-ebuka-okories-clutch-3-pointer-with-3-seconds-left-wins-it\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T23:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T03:00:12","slug":"12231-stanford-edges-virginia-tech-69-68-last-night-ebuka-okorie-s-clutch-3-pointer-wi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/12231-stanford-edges-virginia-tech-69-68-last-night-ebuka-okorie-s-clutch-3-pointer-wi\/","title":{"rendered":"Stanford edges Virginia Tech 69-68 last night, Ebuka Okorie’s clutch 3-pointer with 3 seconds left wins it"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stanford vs Virginia Tech<\/b> delivered one of the most dramatic finishes Wednesday night in Blacksburg. Ebuka Okorie<\/b>‘s clutch 3-pointer with 3 seconds left<\/b> sent the Cardinal past the Hokies 69-68<\/b> in an ACC thriller.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Final score:<\/b> Stanford 69, Virginia Tech 68 (January 7, 2026)<\/li>\n
  • Game-winner:<\/b> Ebuka Okorie 3-pointer with 3 seconds remaining<\/li>\n
  • Okorie’s performance:<\/b> 31 points, the true freshman’s ninth game with 20+ points<\/li>\n
  • Hokies collapse:<\/b> Virginia Tech led 65-52 with 3:36 left, Stanford closed on 17-3 run<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Okorie’s Breakout Performance Leads Stanford Rally<\/h2>\n

    Ebuka Okorie<\/b> delivered a masterclass in clutch basketball against Virginia Tech<\/b>. The true freshman guard<\/b> from Stanford scored 31 points<\/b>, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 3 seconds<\/b> remaining. Okorie entered the game averaging 22 points per game<\/b>, ranked eighth in the nation<\/b>, and proved why on Wednesday night<\/b> in front of the Hokies.<\/p>\n

    The Cardinal<\/b> were down considerably for most of the game but Okorie refused to let Stanford lose. He scored 11 of the final 14 points<\/b> in the closing 2:18<\/b>, demonstrating the poise expected from a player of his caliber. This was Okorie’s ninth game with 20+ points<\/b> and his third with 30 or more<\/b> this season.<\/p>\n

    Virginia Tech’s Devastating Fourth-Quarter Meltdown<\/h2>\n

    Virginia Tech<\/b> led 65-52<\/b> with just 3:36 remaining<\/b>, appearing to have full control. The Hokies had built their advantage on strong shooting and stellar play from Ben Hammond<\/b>, who scored 14 points off the bench<\/b>. With Hammond’s 3-pointer with 2:18 left<\/b> putting them up 12 points<\/b>, the Hokies looked poised for victory.<\/p>\n

    But Stanford had other plans. The Cardinal<\/b> unleashed a devastating 14-1 run<\/b> over the final minutes, completely reversing the game’s momentum. Virginia Tech could only manage 3 points<\/b> as the clock wound down, unable to respond to the Stanford onslaught.<\/p>\n

    Key Performances and Statistical Breakdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
    Team<\/td>\nScore<\/td>\nRecord<\/td>\nLead Player<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Stanford<\/b><\/td>\n69<\/td>\n13-3 (2-1 ACC)<\/td>\nOkorie – 31 pts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Virginia Tech<\/b><\/td>\n68<\/td>\n12-4 (1-2 ACC)<\/td>\nAvdalas – 21 pts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Donavin Young<\/b> contributed 11 points<\/b> for the Cardinals<\/b>, while Oskar Giltay<\/b> grabbed a team-leading 13 rebounds<\/b> along with 8 points, 2 blocks, and 2 steals<\/b>. The rebounding battle proved crucial, with Giltay’s physical presence helping Stanford execute the closing run.<\/p>\n

    For Virginia Tech<\/b>, Neoklis Avdalas<\/b> led with 21 points<\/b> on solid 7-of-15 shooting<\/b>. Amani Hansberry<\/b> posted his eighth double-double<\/b> of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds<\/b>, though it proved insufficient late. Hammond<\/b>‘s 14 points off the bench<\/b> kept the Hokies competitive most of the evening.<\/p>\n

    How Stanford’s Defensive Intensity Changed Everything<\/h2>\n

    The turning point came when Stanford’s defense<\/b> suffocated the Hokies<\/b> down the stretch. After Virginia Tech<\/b> had cruised to a 13-point lead<\/b>, the Cardinal’s<\/b> defensive pressure forced turnovers and disrupted rhythm. Okorie’s attacking mentality<\/b> on both ends of the floor energized the entire team.<\/p>\n

    Stanford<\/b> demonstrated why they’re improving in ACC play<\/b>, now 2-1 in conference<\/b> after the victory. Their ability to execute clutch possessions and defend effectively late showed the potential of Head Coach<\/b> Jerod Haase’s system. The Hokies<\/b>, meanwhile, fell to 1-2 in ACC play<\/b>, a concerning position after such a strong non-conference start.<\/p>\n

    What This Victory Means for Stanford’s Season Going Forward<\/h2>\n

    This win on the road<\/b> against a quality Virginia Tech<\/b> team signals that Stanford<\/b> belongs in the ACC conversation<\/b>. Okorie’s emergence as a consistent scorer in the 20-30 point range<\/b> gives the Cardinals<\/b> a legitimate star player capable of winning games. Moving forward, the Cardinal<\/b> face No. 23 Virginia<\/b> on Saturday, a stiff test for a team building momentum.<\/p>\n

    Virginia Tech<\/b> will look to bounce back at home against Cal on Saturday<\/b>, hoping to prevent this loss from derailing their season. The Hokies’<\/b> ability to maintain composure down the stretch will be crucial as they navigate conference play. This loss stings particularly because control of the game slipped away in mere moments.<\/p>\n

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    Watch: Game Highlights<\/h3>\n