GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — A surging Clemson team looks to continue its push atop the Atlantic Coast Conference standings when it hosts a Virginia Tech squad seeking a resume-boosting road win Wednesday at the Bi-Lo Center. The No. 8-ranked Tigers (20-4, 10-3 ACC) have won seven of their last eight games, including a 77-55 road rout of California last Saturday. Clemson’s balanced attack is led by guard Ace Buckner, who is averaging 11.2 points and 3.2 assists over his last five contests. He scored 13 points with four assists against the Golden Bears. The Hokies (16-8, 7-6) are coming off a 73-82 loss at North Carolina State, snapping a two-game win streak. Their fortunes often hinge on the production of forward Tobi Lawal, who is coming off a dominant 17-point, 15-rebound performance in the defeat. Lawal has scored in double figures in five of his last seven games, but his output has been inconsistent. Clemson won the season’s first meeting, 74-72, in Blacksburg on Jan. 7 behind 19 points from Chauncey Wiggins. The Tigers have since solidified themselves as a conference contender, while Virginia Tech has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over its past seven games. For the Hokies to pull the upset, they will need to counter Clemson’s stout defense, which leads the ACC in scoring defense, allowing just 64.2 points per game. Virginia Tech averages 75.8 points, led by Lawal and guard Amani Hansberry, who had 19 points and seven rebounds against NC State. The game is a critical pivot point for both teams’ postseason aspirations. Clemson aims to keep pace in the race for the ACC regular-season title, while Virginia Tech is in need of a Quadrant 1 victory to strengthen its NCAA tournament profile. Wednesday’s contest tips off at 9 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on the ACC Network.