Hokies Close Out Regular Season With Narrow 82-76 Victory Over Notre Dame 

Josh Collier

Staff Writer

March 9, 2024

Sean Pedulla scored a game-high 28 points in Virginia Tech's win over Notre Dame. (Virginia Tech Athletics)

BLACKSBURG — The roles were flipped from the last time these two teams faced each other this season, as Virginia Tech (18-13, 10-10 ACC) took down Notre Dame (12-19, 7-13) 82-76 on Saturday afternoon to end their regular season on a three-game winning streak. 

This win for the Hokies secures a first-round bye in the ACC Tournament, which will take place next week at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

In what was a hard-fought game from both teams, Virginia Tech outrebounded Notre Dame 39-28 this time around, which was one of the biggest factors leading to the outcome of Saturday’s game. 

“They just wanted it more,” Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry said. “All those offensive rebounds [15 for Tech] just kill us and gives [them] more chances.”

This was not the case during the teams’ previous meeting, as last time they played on Feb. 10, Notre Dame won the rebounding battle 34-28, helping the Irish take down Tech 74-66. 

Being the final regular season game for the Hokies meant it was also their Senior Day, as they recognized Hunter Cattoor, Mylyjael Poteat, Robbie Beran and Mekhi Long during their pregame ceremony. Although this marked the final home game for Cattoor, Beran and Long, Poteat still has one more year of NCAA Division I eligibility and may return to play for Virginia Tech next year if he so chooses to. 

Poteat made his first start for Virginia Tech in this game, which was fitting for his Senior Day. He filled in for the missing Lynn Kidd — who is dealing with a hamstring injury — and logged eight points, eight rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes of play. 

Another big for the Hokies who saw increased minutes was the 7-foot freshman and Poteat’s roommate, Patrick Wessler. Wessler saw a season-high nine minutes of playing time and recorded his first career field goal against an ACC opponent. 

Probably the most notable player performance from the game was seen from Sean Pedulla, who came up big today despite the spotlight being on the seniors. He recorded a game-high 28 points to go along with six rebounds, two blocks and two steals in 36 minutes of play. 

“He’s such a downhill, all gas, no brakes [player],” Tech head coach Mike Young said. “It has absolutely nothing to do with coaching … good players make winning plays.” 

Pedulla certainly did make some of the most crucial plays towards the end of the game for Virginia Tech that helped contribute to the team’s win. With a two-point lead and just under a minute left, Pedulla drove down and made a tough layup, then blocked a shot on the other end, then went back down to convert another nice layup after weaving his way through traffic. 

The ACC Tournament is set to begin next Tuesday in the nation’s capital. With Virginia Tech’s first-round bye, the Hokies are set to play their first game of the tournament on Wednesday. Tech will hope to build off its three-game win streak in an attempt to win the ACC, needing to win four games in four days.