Virginia Cavaliers Dominate NC State in Commanding Victory
In Charlottesville, the No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers showcased their prowess with an impressive 90-61 victory over NC State, marking their 25th win of the season-a milestone they hadn't reached since the 2022-2023 season. The Cavaliers' performance was a testament to their defensive tenacity and offensive depth.
Early Momentum and Defensive Mastery
Virginia set the tone early, surging to a 12-point lead with a 12-0 run while holding NC State to just three points in the opening seven minutes. Although NC State managed to claw back within two points during a Virginia scoring drought, the Cavaliers quickly regained control.
Thijs De Ridder's transition play, finding Jacari White for an open three, reignited Virginia's offense, pushing the lead to 18-13. From there, UVA outscored NC State 19-6, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on momentum shifts.
Standout Performances
Thijs De Ridder led the Cavaliers with 19 points, supported by a balanced offensive effort from Sam Lewis (16), Jacari White (15), Malik Thomas (12), and Chance Mallory (11). The team's depth was on full display, with multiple players stepping up to contribute in double figures.
Defensive Prowess Honoring Tony Bennett
With the court named after former head coach Tony Bennett, Virginia's defense was fittingly dominant. Johann Grünloh was a standout, recording five blocks in the first four minutes and finishing the game with a career-high eight blocks.
Ugonna Onyenso added three more in the first half, helping the Cavaliers tally eight blocks before halftime. Their defensive efforts stifled NC State, who managed only 18.2% shooting in the first half and struggled from beyond the arc.
Physicality and Foul Trouble
Virginia's size advantage was evident as they controlled the paint and forced NC State into early foul trouble. This physicality disrupted NC State's rhythm and limited their offensive options.
Key Contributions and Offensive Resurgence
De Ridder was instrumental in transition, making smart plays that led to key scores. His ability to capitalize on turnovers, including a runaway layup from a botched in-bound pass, highlighted his impact.
Jacari White continued to be a reliable spark off the bench, hitting four crucial threes. Meanwhile, Sam Lewis notched his 16th game in double figures, underscoring his consistency.
Addressing Sloppy Play
Despite their dominance, Virginia experienced moments of sloppiness, turning the ball over eight times in the first half. This allowed NC State to go on a 12-3 run during a six-minute scoring drought for the Cavaliers. However, Virginia's offense roared back in the second half, shooting 70% and netting 58 points to seal the victory.
Looking Ahead
While Virginia's performance was largely impressive, they must address these occasional lapses in focus, especially with a matchup against No. 1 Duke on the horizon. Consistency will be key as they aim to maintain their winning momentum and continue their pursuit of excellence this season.