Lawal returns but Stanford rallies past Virginia Tech

Key Takeaways:

• Lawal returned to Virginia Tech after a foot injury.
• He missed nine straight games prior to this matchup.
• Stanford rallied to overcome Virginia Tech’s early lead.
• The story originated from Roanoke in the sports category.
• The publication date was January 8, 2026.

Lawal’s Return to the Court

Lawal entered this game with heightened expectations from fans and teammates alike. After missing nine straight games to recover from a foot injury, his presence on the lineup offered a renewed spark. “Lawal had missed nine straight games with a foot injury,” the original report noted, underscoring the significance of his return for the Hokies.

Stanford’s Late Rally

Though Virginia Tech aimed to capitalize on Lawal’s comeback, Stanford found its rhythm as the game wore on. A determined second-half push allowed Stanford to erase any advantage the Hokies had built. The result was a rally that ultimately sealed the outcome in Stanford’s favor, leaving the Virginia Tech crowd disappointed but cautiously optimistic about Lawal’s future contributions.

Impact on Virginia Tech

For Virginia Tech, Lawal’s performance offered a glimpse of what the team had been missing. His leadership and skill could prove crucial in upcoming games. While the final result went Stanford’s way, the long-term impact of Lawal’s return might still be a turning point for the Hokies as they continue their season.

Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, Virginia Tech’s outlook improves with a key player back on the active roster. If Lawal remains healthy, the Hokies hope to regain ground quickly. For now, the story underscores the fast-moving nature of college basketball—where a single player’s return can change a team’s trajectory, but not necessarily the final outcome of every marquee matchup.