Preview: Virginia Tech Visits SMU in Key ACC Clash

ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — Two of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s hottest teams meet Wednesday when the Virginia Tech Hokies visit the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum.

The Hokies (13-4, 1-2 ACC) and Mustangs (12-4, 1-2) both seek to build momentum in conference play after splitting their first three league contests. Virginia Tech arrives following a narrow 78-75 home win over California on Saturday, while SMU dropped a tight 82-75 road game at Duke the same day.

Virginia Tech is led by forward Amani Hansberry, who is averaging 16.4 points and 9.2 rebounds over his last five games. He posted 15 points and nine rebounds against Cal and recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a triple-overtime win over Virginia on Dec. 31. He will be a central focus for the Hokies’ interior attack.

SMU counters with guard BJ Edwards, who is coming off a 20-point, seven-rebound, five-assist performance at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Edwards has been a consistent force, averaging 17 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists over his last five outings, highlighted by a triple-double (21 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) against Cal State Fullerton on Dec. 28.

The matchup features contrasting recent trajectories in close games. The Hokies are 3-0 in overtime games this season, showcasing clutch performance, but have lost two of their three ACC contests by a combined four points. SMU’s two ACC losses, to Clemson and Duke, were by a total of 11 points, indicating similar competitive footing.

Virginia Tech’s offense, which has scored 78 or more points in eight of its last nine games, will test an SMU defense that allowed 97 points in a win over North Carolina but has otherwise been stout at home. The Mustangs are 8-1 at Moody Coliseum this season, with an average margin of victory of 24.2 points in those wins.

This contest marks the first ACC meeting between the programs since SMU joined the conference this season. The outcome will provide early positioning in the crowded middle tier of the league standings.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST Wednesday. Virginia Tech hosts Notre Dame on Saturday, while SMU remains at home to face Virginia.