CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — On Saturday, Jaden Schutt contributed significantly to Virginia Tech’s narrow 75-74 victory over the University of Virginia, leading the team with 18 points, while Tobi Lawal followed closely with 17 points.
The Hokies surged ahead with a 9-0 scoring run late in the game, highlighted by Lawal and Schutt completing the sequence and boosting their lead to 69-56 with just over six minutes remaining.
Virginia, however, steadily whittled down that lead. Andrew Rohde made a crucial layup in the paint, narrowing the Cavaliers’ deficit to 75-72 with only 45 seconds left on the clock.
In a tense final moment, Taine Murray retrieved a missed shot from Lawal with eight seconds left, prompting the Hokies to foul Isaac McKneely before he could attempt a three-pointer. McKneely converted both free throws. Following that, Virginia Tech’s Mylyjael Poteat was also fouled but missed both of his free throw attempts. The Cavaliers had one last opportunity to snatch victory from a timeout with just four seconds remaining, but Rohde’s floater missed the mark as the buzzer sounded.
Schutt was efficient, making 6 of his 11 attempts from the field, including four three-pointers, along with grabbing five rebounds. Lawal also had a solid game, shooting 6 for 12 and contributing another three-pointer and five rebounds to the team effort.
For the Cavaliers, McKneely led the scoring with 19 points and added seven assists, while Rohde contributed 12 points. Dai Dai Ames finished with 11 points, and Murray chipped in with 10 points alongside six rebounds.
In the first half, Schutt’s scoring prowess was evident as he netted three three-pointers, contributing to the Hokies establishing a 38-31 lead by halftime. McKneely was the standout for Virginia in the half, leading with nine points.
Historically, Virginia leads the rivalry with Virginia Tech, showing a dominant record of 98-61 overall, including a significant 43-14 advantage when playing at home.
The Cavaliers will be on the road to face Pittsburgh on Monday, while Virginia Tech prepares to host Southern Methodist University (SMU) on Wednesday.
