BLACKSBURG, Va. — In a decisive performance, Jason Edwards netted 19 points and MJ Collins contributed 15, leading Vanderbilt to an impressive 80-64 win against Virginia Tech on Wednesday evening as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge.

Edwards and Collins proved effective on the court, combining for 10-of-22 in field goals and each hitting three successful shots from beyond the arc, which contributed to Vanderbilt’s total of nine three-pointers. The Commodores maintained a shooting percentage above 50% in both halves, concluding the game with a shooting efficiency of 53%, hitting 29 out of 55 attempts.

With this victory, Vanderbilt improved its record to 7-1 and capitalized on turnovers, scoring 28 points from 15 Virginia Tech mistakes. The team has managed to force 10 or more turnovers in eight out of their nine games this season, and has caused 15 or more turnovers on seven occasions.

For Virginia Tech, Jaden Schutt stepped up as the leading scorer by sinking five three-pointers to total 15 points, while Mylyjael Poteat contributed with 14 points and Ben Burnham added 10 to the scoreboard.

Despite Virginia Tech trailing by seven points at the start of the second half, Brandon Rechsteiner ignited a comeback with five consecutive points, followed by a dunk and layup by Tyler Johnson, bringing the score to 45-43 with 15:41 left on the clock. However, Vanderbilt quickly retaliated by scoring the next nine points, leaving the Hokies unable to close the gap again.

Edwards further secured the Commodores’ lead with a three-pointer that pushed the score to 74-60 with roughly four minutes remaining in the match. Collins played a crucial role in the first half, making three three-pointers and contributing 15 points to establish a 39-34 lead by halftime. Poteat was the standout for the Hokies in the first half, recording 12 points.

This loss marks Virginia Tech’s eighth consecutive defeat against current SEC teams, with their last victory occurring against Mississippi, where they won 83-80 in overtime on December 2, 2017. This matchup also marked the eighth encounter between the two programs, with the bulk of their previous contests taking place from 1961 to 1977.