The No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers delivered a commanding performance against NC State, cruising to a 90-51 victory on their newly christened Tony Bennett Court. This game was a showcase of Virginia's prowess on both ends, honoring their legendary coach with a defensive masterclass that held the Wolfpack to just 19 points in the first half.
Virginia's defense was the star of the show early on, completely dismantling NC State's offensive flow. Anchored by Johann Gruenloh and Ugonna Onyenso, the Cavaliers' interior defense was impenetrable, combining for an impressive 12 blocks. Gruenloh, in particular, shone with a career-high eight blocks, setting the tone for a defensive clinic.
Despite some early offensive hiccups, including seven turnovers, Virginia's defense provided the cushion they needed to settle in. By halftime, the Cavaliers had built a comfortable 32-19 lead, allowing them to regroup and refocus for the second half.
And regroup they did. Virginia exploded offensively after the break, racking up 59 points in the second half.
Five players hit double figures, with Thijs De Ridder leading the charge with 19 points. His aggressive play, especially after a scuffle that resulted in technical fouls and an ejection, seemed to ignite the Cavaliers.
De Ridder's energy was palpable, and his performance silenced any doubts about a late-season slump.
The "Bench Mob" played a crucial role once again, outscoring NC State's reserves 32-5. Jacari White was a standout, contributing 15 points and hitting four of five from beyond the arc.
His improved shooting form, after switching from a brace to a wrap, could be pivotal as the season progresses. Contributions from Chance Mallory and Ugonna Onyenso further highlighted the depth that has been a hallmark of this Virginia team.
This victory was more than just a win; it was a statement. Clinching a double bye in the ACC Tournament, Virginia now needs just three wins to capture the conference title. The 29-point margin also provided a significant boost in analytics, propelling them from No. 19 to No. 14 in KenPom rankings.
Next up is a much-anticipated clash with No. 1 Duke, a game that could decide the ACC regular-season crown.
With the Cavaliers just one game behind the Blue Devils, a victory in Durham would catapult Virginia into first place, thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker. With Wake Forest and Virginia Tech still on the horizon, a win on Saturday could set Virginia up to dictate their destiny as the season draws to a close.