The Elon Phoenix basketball team faced a formidable challenge against the Virginia Tech Hokies on December 20, 2025, in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. In a thrilling matchup, the Hokies secured a hard-fought 82-81 victory over Elon, showcasing a remarkable comeback and clutch performances under pressure .
The game, held at Carilion Clinic Court, began with a commanding lead for the Elon Phoenix, who surged ahead by 19 points in the first half. However, the Hokies staged a dramatic rally, forcing the game into overtime with a series of strategic plays and timely scoring. The decisive moment came when Christian Gurdak’s layup with just 10 seconds remaining in overtime sealed the win for Virginia Tech, leaving the Elon Phoenix with a heartbreaking loss that marked the end of their non-conference slate .
The comeback effort by the Hokies was nothing short of spectacular, as they outscored Elon 37-29 in the second half and forced 15 turnovers, converting 12 of those into points. The game was a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the Hokies, led by standout performances from Amani Hansberry, who scored 20 points, and other key players who contributed significantly to the win .
To keep the momentum going, the Hokies have solidified their defensive strategies, as evident in the crucial block by Izaiah Pasha on an Elon 3-point attempt as time expired. This pivotal play further secured their narrow victory, showcasing their defensive prowess and strategic game plan .
With this victory, the Virginia Tech basketball team reinforces its competitive edge in the ACC, while the Elon Phoenix, despite their promising start, will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges. As the season progresses, the Hokies' tenacity and clutch performances will undoubtedly be critical factors in their quest for further success .
