Virginia Tech holds off Boston College 72-63, powered by Tobi Lawal and early three-point surge

Virginia Tech leads most of the night in Blacksburg

Virginia Tech beat Boston College 72-63 on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Cassell Coliseum, a result that underscored two defining themes for both programs late in the regular season: the Hokies’ ability to build separation at home and the Eagles’ continued search for perimeter consistency.

Virginia Tech improved to 19-11 overall and 8-9 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while Boston College fell to 10-20 and 3-14 in league play.

How the game tilted: a fast start, then responses to each rally

Virginia Tech controlled the scoreboard for virtually the entire game, taking the lead for good on an opening three-pointer and limiting Boston College to brief stretches of momentum. The Hokies carried an 11-point advantage into halftime, 35-24, after building a lead that had reached 17 before Boston College trimmed the margin with a late first-half push.

Boston College’s most consequential run came after intermission, when the Eagles briefly cut the deficit to six during a second-half surge. Virginia Tech answered with timely scoring, including key perimeter makes, to keep Boston College from getting the game to a one-possession margin in the final minutes.

Key performers: Lawal’s production, Kapke’s career night

Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal delivered 20 points and seven rebounds, providing steadiness in the half court and finishing possessions on both ends. Neoklis Avdalas added 15 points and six rebounds, while Amani Hansberry and Ben Hammond scored 11 apiece, giving the Hokies four double-figure scorers.

For Boston College, forward Boden Kapke posted a career-high 25 points on 11-of-19 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. Guard Fred Payne added 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Boston College generated much of its offense near the rim rather than from the arc.

Numbers that shaped the outcome

• Three-point efficiency separated the teams: Virginia Tech shot 46% from three, while Boston College went 5-of-22 (23%).
• Boston College won the rebounding battle 36-32 and scored 42 points in the paint, but the Eagles could not convert enough perimeter looks to fully capitalize.
• Overall shooting was similar (Boston College 42%, Virginia Tech 43%), placing greater weight on the Hokies’ advantage from deep.

Virginia Tech led for all but 47 seconds of game time, maintaining control even as Boston College narrowed the gap in the second half.

What’s next

Boston College returns to Chestnut Hill to host Notre Dame on Saturday, March 7. Virginia Tech’s next game is a road trip to face Virginia on Saturday, March 7.