Virginia held off Virginia Tech 73-70 on Saturday afternoon, snapping the Hokies’ four-game winning streak at home in the series. Isaac McKneley led the Cavaliers with 22 points, including six made 3-pointers, and was the first opponent to make six treys against Tech since Notre Dame’s Nate Laszewski in February 2023.
Tech coach Mike Young praised Virginia’s performance, saying “They’re playing well… It’s just exhausting chasing Isaac off that stuff.” McKneley benefited from some of Tech’s defensive mistakes, making tough shots down the stretch. He finished with 7-of-16 shooting and 6-of-14 three-pointers.
The Cavaliers found their rhythm early, leading by as many as 15 in the first half. They shot 56% (15-of-27) in the first 20 minutes of play, including five different players hitting threes to pull ahead 32-17.
Tech struggled defensively, committing mistakes that allowed McKneley and other Cavaliers to score easily. The Hokies trailed 40-33 at halftime but managed to stay in the game, trailing by just one with over two minutes to go.
In a crucial moment, Tech guard Ben Hammond’s layup made it 69-68 in UVa’s favor, but the Cavaliers drew up a play and executed it perfectly, giving them a 73-70 lead. Despite a final chance, the Hokies’ comeback fell short.
The loss snaps Virginia Tech’s four-game winning streak at home and denies them their first season sweep of the Cavaliers since 2009-10. The Hokies will look to bounce back on Tuesday evening against Boston College.
Source: https://virginiatech.sportswar.com/article/2025/02/15/vt-cant-complete-late-surge-in-loss-to-mckneely-uva