Both teams enter Wednesday’s matchup in desperate need of an ACC victory. Virginia Tech, searching for its third NCAA Tournament berth in the last four years under Mike Young, lost its previous two conference road games and are coming off a 75-71 loss to Miami.
Virginia still plays the same style under Tony Bennett that won a National Championship in 2019, but the Cavaliers haven’t won a tourney game since climbing the mountain top. Virginia had first-round exits in 2021 and 2023 and are off to a 2-3 start in ACC play after losing at NC State and Wake Forest.