Virginia Tech vs Stanford Picks and Prediction – 1/9/2025

Virginia Tech Hokies (6-8, 1-2 ACC) visit the Stanford Cardinal (9-5, 1-2 ACC) for an intriguing matchup. Virginia Tech is coming off a narrow 86-85 win against Miami, while Stanford has dropped three straight games, including an 83-68 loss to Pittsburgh. Both teams aim to bounce back in conference play. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Virginia Tech’s offense averages 71.1 points per game, shooting 44.0% from the field. Forward Tobi Lawal leads the team with 12.1 points per game and an impressive 62.6% shooting efficiency. Brandon Rechsteiner contributes 3.4 assists per game, while Lawal also leads in rebounds with 5.8 per contest. Three-point shooting has been inconsistent, but the Hokies capitalize on opportunities inside the arc. The team’s scoring ability relies on Lawal’s interior presence and Ben Hammond’s perimeter defense, which averages 1.1 steals per game.

Defensively, Virginia Tech allows 73.5 points per game, struggling to contain high-powered offenses. Blocking just 1.7 shots per contest, interior defense remains a concern. The Hokies will need to tighten up against Stanford’s attack, especially with Maxime Raynaud’s ability to score inside and out. Rebounding margins are slim, with 33.8 boards per game, leaving Virginia Tech vulnerable in second-chance situations.

Stanford Cardinal’s offense averages 76.9 points per game while shooting 43.8% from the floor. Forward Maxime Raynaud is the offensive leader, averaging 20.9 points and shooting 50.9%. Raynaud also dominates the glass with 11.4 rebounds per game, creating second-chance opportunities. Guard Jaylen Blakes facilitates the offense, dishing out 5.2 assists per contest. The Cardinal’s three-point shooting has been streaky, but the balanced attack makes them a threat both inside and outside.

Defensively, Stanford allows 71.9 points per game but has shown strength in shot-blocking, averaging 3.9 blocks. Blakes leads the perimeter defense with 2.1 steals per game, providing energy and transition opportunities. The Cardinal’s size advantage, led by Raynaud, gives them a clear edge on the boards, averaging 35.6 rebounds. However, recent struggles defending the perimeter have contributed to the current three-game losing streak.

Stanford’s offensive firepower and rebounding strength present significant challenges for Virginia Tech. With Raynaud’s scoring and Blakes’ defensive intensity, the Cardinal have a balanced attack to exploit the Hokies’ defensive weaknesses. Expect Stanford to control the tempo and limit Virginia Tech’s second-chance points. Final Score Prediction: Stanford 80-70.