Stanford Cardinal vs Virginia Tech Hokies Picks and Predictions January 8th 2025

Stanford Hosts Virginia Tech in ACC Battle for .500 Start

As Stanford continues to adapt to life in the Atlantic Coast Conference, they host Virginia Tech in a matchup where both teams aim to even their conference records at 2-2. The clash at Maples Pavilion on Wednesday night is a chance for both squads to exceed low preseason expectations and assert themselves in ACC play.

Adjusting to New Territory

Stanford, one of the ACC’s newest members after departing the Pac-12, has shown flashes of potential under first-year head coach Kyle Smith. The Cardinal opened conference play with an 89-81 win over fellow ACC newcomer Cal. However, back-to-back road losses to established ACC programs Clemson and Pittsburgh have highlighted the challenges of competing in their new league.

Coach Kyle Smith is optimistic about Stanford’s journey in the ACC, emphasizing the opportunity and pride involved in competing at this level:

“The opportunity to compete in this league and this level is a challenge. Pretty excited about it,” Smith said.

Stanford is led by standout 7-foot-1 center Maxime Raynaud, who has been nothing short of dominant. Raynaud ranks 10th in Division I with 20.9 points per game and is tied for third nationally with 11.4 rebounds per game. His size and skill set make him a focal point for the Cardinal, both offensively and defensively.

Hokies Seek Momentum After Dramatic Win

Virginia Tech, projected to finish 14th in the ACC preseason poll, has navigated a difficult conference schedule. After a narrow loss to then-No. 18 Pitt and a lopsided defeat to No. 4 Duke, the Hokies found redemption in a thrilling 86-85 victory over Miami on Saturday.

Graduate student Mylyjael Poteat delivered a career-high 25 points against the Hurricanes, including the decisive three-point play in the game’s final moments. Poteat’s emergence as a reliable offensive weapon, coupled with team-leading scorer Tobi Lawal’s consistent play (12.1 points per game), has given Virginia Tech a much-needed spark.

Hokies coach Mike Young praised the team’s resilience after their win against Miami:

“Needed it bad,” Young said. “Now let’s take this and improve and make it better.”

Key Matchup: Raynaud vs. Virginia Tech’s Frontcourt

The game’s outcome could hinge on how effectively Virginia Tech contains Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud. At 7-foot-1, Raynaud presents significant challenges for the Hokies’ defense. Poteat and Lawal will need to use their physicality and versatility to limit Raynaud’s impact in the paint while contributing on the offensive end.

Stanford’s ability to create opportunities for Raynaud will also be critical. If the Cardinal can establish their star player early, it could force Virginia Tech to adjust their defensive schemes, opening up opportunities for Stanford’s supporting cast.

Predictions and Insights for the NBA 6th Man Award Race

A Pivotal Game for Both Teams

With both teams sitting at 1-2 in ACC play, this game is an important stepping stone. For Stanford, a win would help solidify their identity in the ACC and demonstrate growth under Kyle Smith. For Virginia Tech, it’s an opportunity to build on the momentum of their dramatic win against Miami and show they can compete consistently in conference play.

As the two squads square off at Maples Pavilion, fans can expect an intense battle between a Stanford team eager to prove itself in new territory and a Virginia Tech squad seeking to overcome early-season adversity. With both teams vying for respect and relevance in the ACC, this matchup holds significance beyond the standings.