Virginia Tech basketball slides to surprising first loss against undefeated Saint Mary’s, but what happened in the first half changes everything

Virginia Tech basketball fell to undefeated Saint Mary’s 77-66 in the Battle 4 Atlantis semifinals Thursday, suffering its first loss after a dominant start to the 2025-26 season. The Hokies couldn’t overcome a rough opening half as the Gaels controlled the game from start to finish in Nassau, Bahamas.

Gaels Dominate Entire Game Without Trailing

Saint Mary’s established control from the opening tip, holding Virginia Tech to just 20 points in the first half. The Hokies managed only 7 of 33 shots from the field in the opening 20 minutes, falling behind 31-20 before halftime. Despite mounting a comeback attempt in the second half, Virginia Tech never got closer than the final 11-point deficit.

The Gaels shot 52 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. Saint Mary’s also dominated the glass with 39 rebounds compared to 34 for Tech, controlling the tempo throughout the tournament semifinal contest.

Murauskas Powers Saint Mary’s Offense in Second Half

Paulius Murauskas delivered the decisive performance when it mattered most, exploding for 15 of his game-high 19 points after the break. The Gaels guard hit 6 of 14 shots from the field and a perfect 5 of 5 from the free throw line in the contest.

Joshua Dent complemented Murauskas by adding 11 of his 14 points in the second half, providing crucial scoring support. Saint Mary’s bench points were key as the Gaels extended their unbeaten record heading toward the championship game against Vanderbilt.

Virginia Tech’s Offensive Struggles Define First Loss

Amani Hansberry led Virginia Tech with 18 points, going 6 of 15 from the field and 6 of 8 from the free throw line. However, the Hokies never found their offensive rhythm, particularly in the first half that essentially decided the contest.

The loss came after Virginia Tech had dominated early season play, winning its first six games before facing the undefeated Gaels. The poor shooting performance and slow start will be areas of concern heading into the consolation bracket.

What’s Next for Virginia Tech After First Loss?

Virginia Tech will face VCU in the third-place game on Friday, November 28 at 10:30 a.m. EST, with the contest airing on ESPN2. The Hokies will look to bounce back after the deflating loss and secure a solid consolation victory.

Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s advances to the championship game against No. 24 Vanderbilt (7-0), setting up a battle between two undefeated teams competing for the tournament title. The Gaels have emerged as a legitimate national contender early in the season with their ability to control games defensively.

Did Saint Mary’s Perfect Start Hold Up Against So Many Top Opponents?

Saint Mary’s eighth consecutive victory marks an impressive start that has caught national attention. The Gaels have shown they can win convincingly against quality competition like Virginia Tech, who entered the game as a legitimate tournament-caliber program.

The level of competition Saint Mary’s will face in the championship game against Vanderbilt will provide another measuring stick for their Elite Eight potential. Both teams remain undefeated heading into one of the tournament’s marquee matchups.

Sources

• ESPN – Complete game recap with box score and statistics
• Associated Press – Game summary and player performance details
• Reuters – Official tournament coverage and final score confirmation

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.