At 4 p.m. on February 1, 2025, the Virginia Tech Hokies (9-12) travel to John Paul Jones Arena to take on the Virginia Cavaliers (10-11) in the first installment of the rivalry without legendary coach Tony Bennett since 2009.
Both squads are entering the game with a losing record for the first time in over half a century of the Commonwealth Clash. Despite the Hokies inferior record, they have actually been the hotter team over the last couple of weeks, moving to 4-6 in conference play after an impressive 76-66 win at Florida State on January 29th.
While this game doesn’t have national implications like it has as of recent years, both teams will come out ready to play in front of a packed house in John Paul Jones Arena. Here are some keys to the game that could decide who comes out on top:
Three Point Shooting
In what is sure to be a low-tempo game, both teams will look to score in the half court and will have to rely on three point shooting to pull out the win. While Virginia doesn’t have the offensive weapons they had in their hay days, the still run a blocker-moved system designed to generate three point looks. The Hokies will live with anyone other than Isaac McKneely beating them from deep.
Virginia Tech also historically runs a three-point based offense, and will likely be even more reliant on the long ball against the Cavaliers, who keep everything in front of them with their pack line defense.
Containing Isaac Mckneely
As previously mentioned, Isaac McKneely is the Wahoos premier and oftentimes sole offensive threat. Virginia is 4-1 when the sharpshooter scores at least 18 points and are just 6-10 when he scores 17 or less. McKneely is coming off a 26-point night against Miami; the second highest scoring game of his career.
Virginia Tech will look to keep it out of his hands at all times, while the Wahoos will counter with as many off ball screens as possible for him to generate any open looks.
Matchup of the Game: Tobi Lawal vs Jacob Cofie
Virginia Tech’s best player has clearly been Tobi Lawal, who is starting to play into his all-world athletic abilities and come into his own for the Hokies. Tonight, he’ll have an interesting matchup with Cavalier freshman Jacob Cofie, who has been a bright spot in an otherwise solemn year in Charlottesville.
Cofie is third on the team in scoring and does most of his damage in the mid-range and the interior. Cofie and Lawal match up well in terms of size and will be two key pieces to the success or failure of either team.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 61, Virginia 58
It has become clear over the last couple weeks that Virginia Tech is playing higher level basketball than Virginia. UVA’s home court advantage and passionate crowd will keep them in the game, but it won’t be enough as they won’t be able to knock down enough shots down the stretch. Tobi Lawal will pace the Hokies in scoring with a 15+ point double-double and the Hokies will move to 5-6 in ACC play.
