Last-Second Heroics: Christian Gurdak Lifts Virginia Tech Past Elon in Thrilling 82-81 Overtime Win
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In a game for the ages, Christian Gurdak's clutch layup with 10 seconds left in overtime propelled Virginia Tech to an 82-81 victory over Elon on Saturday. The Hokies staged an incredible comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit to snatch the win from the jaws of defeat. The back-and-forth contest saw seven lead changes in overtime, with Gurdak's decisive layup proving to be the difference-maker. Ben Hammond's steal set the stage for Gurdak's heroics, while Izaiah Pasha's missed free throws with four seconds remaining kept the tension palpable. Pasha then sealed the win with a crucial block on Bryson Cokley's desperation 3-pointer. Amani Hansberry led the charge for Virginia Tech with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Gurdak contributed 17 points and Hammond chipped in with 15. Jaden Schutt added 10 points to the Hokies' tally. Elon's Chandler Cuthrell scored 18 points, Isaac Harrell added 16, and Kacper Klaczek chipped in with 11. Harrell's hot start, including two early 3-pointers, had the Phoenix in control for much of the first half. However, a 12-0 run gave Virginia Tech life, and they closed the half on an 11-0 tear to trail by just eight points. The second half was a seesaw affair, with Virginia Tech eventually taking the lead for the first time on Hansberry's paint score with 5 1/2 minutes remaining. The game seesawed back and forth, with three more ties in regulation before Hansberry's jumper tied the score at 72 with 28 seconds left. The Hokies will now visit Virginia on New Year's Eve, while Elon hosts Greensboro College on Monday.
