Hokies notch wins in recent Smithfield Commonwealth Clash matchupsHokies notch wins in recent Smithfield Commonwealth Clash matchups
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Hokies notch wins in recent Smithfield Commonwealth Clash matchups

Tech picked up victories in men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling

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BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech Athletics has found great success in the most recent Smithfield Commonwealth Clashes. Whether it be on the mat or the hardwood, the Hokies have won three consecutive clashes against foe Virginia, bringing the rivalry’s momentum back to Blacksburg. While competition continues for the Hokies across various disciplines, the performances against the Hoos are worth another look.  

Dec. 31, 2025: Virginia Tech men’s basketball outlasts then No. 21-ranked Cavaliers at Cassell Coliseum 

In a game that featured 21 lead changes and three extra periods, Virginia Tech emerged victorious in the most recent men’s basketball Commonwealth Clash by a score of 95-85. The contest marked the first triple-overtime game for the Hokies since battling Miami in three overtimes on Feb. 19, 2020.  

Sophomore guard Ben Hammond was the catalyst for the thrilling victory on New Year’s Eve. While the Virginia native posted just two points in the opening half, Hammond would go on to score 28 over the second half and overtime periods, bringing his total to a career-high 30 points. A flurry of mid-range floaters contributed mightily to his production, and his 16 points at the free throw line were crucial as the game came to a close.  

Christian Gurdak and Amani Hansberry both posted double-doubles in the game. The tandem’s combined 34 points and 34 rebounds – Gurdak's game-high 19 boards leading the way – were instrumental throughout the nail-biting matchup. Neoklis Avdalas also chipped in 17 to the effort, making the Kalamata native one of four Hokies to score in double figures.  

The Tech men’s basketball team now sits at 16-8 behind an impressive 12-2 home record. While the team will be on the road facing Clemson on Feb. 11, head coach Mike Young’s squad will be back in southwest Virginia to face Florida State on Feb. 14. Don’t miss the chance to buy your tickets for the holiday action on SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace of Virginia Tech Athletics! 

Feb. 1, 2026: Virginia Tech women’s basketball knocks off Cavaliers behind impressive performances 

The Hokies triumphed over the Cavaliers earlier this month, as head coach Megan Duffy and company defeated Virginia, 76-64. Several of the Hokies’ talented student-athletes executed efficiently across four quarters, making Duffy’s second Commonwealth Clash win as head coach a team effort.  

Similar to Hammond in the men’s basketball contest, guard Carleigh Wenzel was a major part of the victory on Feb. 1. The redshirt junior’s 23 points – which were complimented by five assists and six boards – led all players in the contest and was Wenzel’s seventh consecutive double-digit performance of her 2025-26 campaign. Surrounding Wenzel were Mackenzie Nelson, who had 15 points and five assists, and Samyha Suffren, who notched 12 points and five rebounds. Carys Baker scored all of her 11 in the second half.  

The victory at the top of the month marked the seventh straight win for the Hokies, who now sit at 18-7 (8-5 ACC) and seventh in the conference. Tech will be on the road for a pair of West Coast road games against Stanford and Cal on Feb. 12 and Feb. 15 respectively but will be heading back home to face North Carolina on Feb. 19. Don’t miss your chance to see the Hokies in action before the regular season concludes – buy tickets now! 

Feb. 6, 2026: No. 7 Virginia Tech Wrestling dominates in road bout against Virginia 

Dominance throughout summarized the Hokies’ visit to Charlottesville this past Friday, as the 32-7 win marked the fourth consecutive conference win for Tech. The team, which hold a national top 10 ranking behind a 9-2 record, will play host for their fifth conference bout of the season against North Carolina on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. ET.   

Of the ten bouts featured throughout the evening’s competition, Tech emerged victorious in eight of them, with all but two coming by way of bonus points. The meet served as the sixth time in the last 10 matchups against Virginia in which Tech has put up 30 points or more.  

In the 125-pound category, No. 3 Eddie Ventresca extended his streak of impressive victories against Virginia’s Rocco Hayes, taking down his competition with a 20-5 tech fall. Seven victories followed, including a streak of four consecutive major decisions from No. 30 Sergio Desiante, No. 32 Jaden Bullock, No. 14 Sonny Sasso and No. 17 Jimmy Mullen to end the night.  

After the team’s matchup against North Carolina, the Hokies will welcome consensus No. 3 Oklahoma State to Blacksburg for a ranked matchup on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. ET.