Jacari White Shines as No. 15 Virginia Rallies Past Florida State in Gritty Road Win
In a game that felt like it might slip away, Virginia found a way to grind out a 61-58 win over Florida State in Tallahassee - and they have Jacari White to thank for it.
The No. 15 Cavaliers (21-3, 10-2 ACC) closed the game on an 11-2 run over the final 5:53, erasing a deficit that had lingered since early in the first half.
It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was downright messy at times.
But in true UVA fashion, it was tough, it was resilient, and it was enough to earn their fifth straight win over the Seminoles.
Let’s break down how it all came together.
Jacari White Comes Home - and Comes Up Big
There’s something about playing in your home state that can spark a performance like this. For Jacari White, Tuesday night was a statement - and a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he’s in rhythm.
White poured in 19 points, his second-highest total of the season, and knocked down five of his nine three-point attempts. He looked confident, aggressive, and composed - all signs that he’s shaking off the rust from his earlier wrist surgery.
His biggest moment? A thunderous dunk with just over a minute to play that gave Virginia its first lead since the 13:37 mark of the first half.
From there, the Cavaliers never looked back.
White is finding his groove at the right time, and his growth as a scoring threat adds a crucial dimension to this UVA team’s offense.
Turnovers Nearly Cost the Cavaliers
Virginia doesn’t usually beat itself - but on Tuesday, they came dangerously close.
The Cavaliers turned the ball over 14 times, including a late miscue in the final seconds that gave Florida State a chance to tie the game. Credit the Seminoles for applying consistent pressure and forcing UVA into uncomfortable situations. Their defense sped up Virginia’s offense and created just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
The silver lining? Florida State only converted those 14 turnovers into 12 points. That’s a manageable number, but it’s a warning sign for a team that prides itself on discipline and execution.
Winning the Battle on the Glass
One of the biggest reasons Virginia was able to claw back into this one? They dominated the boards.
The Cavaliers outrebounded Florida State 47-37, including a 12-6 edge on the offensive glass. Those second-chance opportunities turned into 16 points - a massive boost on a night when points were hard to come by.
Thijs De Ridder played a big role here, finishing with nine rebounds (three offensive) and nine points. He was active, physical, and gave UVA some much-needed toughness inside. Four different Cavaliers grabbed at least two offensive boards, showing the collective effort it took to win the rebounding battle.
Shooting Woes Continue - But the Three Ball Delivers
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Virginia struggled to shoot the ball. They hit just 38% from the field overall and had long stretches where the offense looked stagnant.
But what saved them? The three-point line.
Virginia knocked down 10 triples in the game, shooting 33% from deep. White led the way with five, but it was a team effort - and those long-range shots were crucial in chipping away at the Florida State lead.
The Cavaliers also dished out 14 assists on their 23 made baskets, with Chance Mallory and Dallin Hall settling in and making better decisions in the second half. It wasn’t a clinic, but it was enough to get the job done.
McCray and Jones Keep FSU in It
If not for Jacari White’s heroics, this game might’ve belonged to Florida State’s dynamic duo.
Robert McCray V and Lajae Jones combined for 41 of FSU’s 58 points, with Jones dropping 21 and McCray adding 20. They were a problem for Virginia’s defense all night, especially in the first half when the Seminoles built their lead.
But UVA made some key adjustments after the break. McCray cooled off, shooting just 2-of-10 in the second half and 1-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Jones added only seven points after halftime on 2-of-6 shooting. The Cavaliers didn’t shut them down completely, but they made life harder - and that was enough to swing the game.
What This Win Means for Virginia
This was far from Virginia’s cleanest performance of the season, but it was one of their grittiest. Winning on the road in the ACC is never easy, especially when you’re not playing your best. But the Cavaliers found a way - through rebounding, timely threes, and a breakout performance from Jacari White.
It also marks Virginia’s fourth five-game win streak of the season - a testament to this team’s consistency and ability to bounce back when things get tight.
If White continues to build on this momentum, and UVA can tighten up the turnovers, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone come March.