Virginia Tech’s men’s basketball program is set to continue its tradition of early-season competition when it takes part in the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off on November 7 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The Hokies will meet Seton Hall, a program led by head coach Shaheen Holloway, in a matchup that pits two of the nation’s respected mid-major teams against each other before the regular season fully ramps up.
Head coach Mike Young, now in his fifth year at the helm of Virginia Tech, expressed enthusiasm about the event, emphasizing the quality of the Tip-Off and the chance to test his squad against a strong BIG EAST opponent.
A Look Back at Recent Encounters
The two schools have met seven times historically, with Virginia Tech holding a 2‑5 edge. Their most recent meeting came in November 2013 at the Barclays Center, where Seton Hall edged a 68‑67 thriller.
A year ago, Virginia Tech broke through with a 107‑101 overtime victory over Providence at the same event, a game that featured standout contributions from Amani Hansberry, who posted a double-double, and Tyler Johnson, who added 12 points.
The Tip-Off has become a staple for the Hokies, marking their seventh consecutive appearance in the showcase, underscoring the program’s consistent presence on national early-season stages.
What This Means for the Upcoming Season
Beyond the win-loss column, the game offers both teams a chance to fine-tune strategies, evaluate depth and build momentum heading into conference play. For Virginia Tech, the contest serves as an early barometer against a disciplined Seton Hall squad that has steadily risen under Holloway’s guidance.