Freshman Ben Hammond Leads Virginia Tech Against No. 9 North Carolina

Virginia Tech’s Ben Hammond has emerged as a difference-maker, and the freshman point guard will need another big performance when the Hokies host No. 9 North Carolina on Tuesday night in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Hammond is coming off a career-best performance in an overtime win against Syracuse, posting 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists to lead Virginia Tech (13-16, 8-10 ACC) to a much-needed victory.

Meanwhile, North Carolina (19-11, 12-6 ACC) is riding a five-game winning streak, though all five wins have come against teams in the bottom half of the ACC standings. With a rivalry showdown against No. 5 Duke looming on Saturday, this matchup has the makings of a trap game for the Tar Heels.

Ben Hammond Emerging as a Star for Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young has been patient with his young roster, but Hammond’s recent development has made him an instant-impact player.

“They’re about to drive me to an early grave. But, God, they’re awesome,” Young said of Hammond and fellow freshman Tyler Johnson. “They’re not freshmen anymore.”

Hammond’s quickness, vision, and confidence have transformed the Hokies’ offense, and he will be a major factor against North Carolina’s aggressive defense.

He’s not the only young Hokie making strides—sophomore Jaydon Young has also stepped up, scoring 26 points against Syracuse, just two games after dropping a career-high 27 in a win over Miami.

“He just looks so comfortable and explosive,” Young said.

With Virginia Tech winning three of its last four home games against UNC, the Hokies are hoping for another strong performance at Cassell Coliseum.

North Carolina Looks to Avoid Trap Game Before Duke Showdown

North Carolina has been rolling through conference play, but all five of its recent wins have come against unranked opponents. The Tar Heels cannot afford to look past Virginia Tech, especially with a season-defining game against Duke coming up on Saturday.

Head coach Hubert Davis is keeping his team focused on the task at hand.

“The only thing that is of importance to us is what is right in front of us,” Davis said. “The opportunity to compete against a Virginia Tech team on their home floor is something that we’re focused on and zeroed in on.”

North Carolina’s frontcourt has been key during its winning streak:

• Ven-Allen Lubin (third team in three years) scored a season-high 19 points on 9-of-10 shooting against Miami.
• Jae’Lyn Withers has thrived, averaging 13.0 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 65.6% from the field.

Withers’ minutes had been dwindling earlier in the season, but he has stepped up as a reliable interior presence, giving UNC another weapon alongside RJ Davis and Armando Bacot.

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Key Matchups to Watch

• Ben Hammond vs. RJ Davis – Hammond is playing with confidence, but RJ Davis is one of the ACC’s most experienced guards. If Hammond holds his own, Virginia Tech could keep this game close.
• Virginia Tech’s Perimeter Defense vs. UNC’s Shooters – The Tar Heels have been streaky from deep, but if they hit their shots early, they could run away with this game.
• Jae’Lyn Withers vs. Virginia Tech’s Frontcourt – Withers’ recent breakout has added another dimension to UNC’s offense. If he continues his strong play, the Tar Heels will have a big advantage inside.

Who Has the Edge?

North Carolina is the better team on paper, but Virginia Tech has been a tough matchup in Blacksburg.

The Hokies have nothing to lose, and if Ben Hammond plays like he did against Syracuse, they could make things very interesting.

Will North Carolina stay locked in ahead of its rivalry showdown, or will Virginia Tech’s young stars rise to the occasion and pull off an upset?

Tuesday night’s game will reveal whether the Tar Heels can avoid the trap or if the Hokies can build off their recent momentum at home.