Virginia Grinds Out Road Win Over Boston College, Stays Hot in ACC Play
BOSTON - Virginia didn’t have its best start, but the Cavaliers did what good teams do: they adjusted, they battled, and they found a way to win.
Behind 17 points from Thijs De Ridder and a strong second-half push, No. 17 Virginia held off a scrappy Boston College squad, 73-66, on Saturday. The victory moves the Cavaliers to 18-3 on the season and 7-2 in ACC play, continuing a stretch that’s seen them win seven of their last eight.
This one didn’t come easy. Boston College, led by Donald Hand Jr.’s 20-point outing, came out with energy and confidence.
Hand Jr., the son of former Virginia standout Donald Hand, looked every bit the part of a player with something to prove, getting to his spots and keeping the Eagles in control for much of the first half. Fred Payne added 17 points for BC, which shot a solid 50% from the field in the opening 20 minutes and took a five-point lead into the break.
Virginia, meanwhile, looked out of rhythm early - trailing for the final 18 minutes of the first half. But this team doesn’t panic. They regrouped and started to lean into what they do best: defend, rebound, and execute with discipline.
The turning point came just over four minutes into the second half. Sam Lewis converted a three-point play to give Virginia its first lead of the game at 41-38.
From there, the Cavaliers began to settle in. Malik Thomas, who finished with 14 points, took over for a key stretch, scoring eight of Virginia’s next 11 points, including a twisting layup that extended the lead to seven.
Boston College didn’t go quietly. They clawed back to tie the game, but Virginia had the answer - and it came from beyond the arc. With just under 10 minutes to go, White drilled a three from the top of the key, giving the Cavaliers a 55-52 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Still, the Eagles kept it close, hanging within a two-possession margin until the final minute. That’s when Ugonna Onyenso delivered the dagger - a powerful dunk that pushed the lead to 72-64 and sealed the deal.
It wasn’t the kind of dominant performance that jumps off the box score, but it was vintage Virginia. They controlled the glass, outrebounding BC 39-33, including a 14-8 edge on the offensive boards - a stat that’s been a consistent strength all season. That effort on the boards helped offset a sluggish first half and gave them extra possessions when it mattered most.
Chance Mallory chipped in 11 points, and the Cavaliers showed once again why they’re one of the most disciplined and resilient teams in the conference. Coming off a dramatic double-overtime comeback win at Notre Dame earlier in the week - their biggest rally in two decades - this was a different kind of test. No theatrics this time, just poise and execution down the stretch.
Virginia now looks ahead to continuing their ACC campaign, while Boston College, now 9-12 overall and 2-6 in conference play, faces a tough road trip to No. 4 Duke on Tuesday.
For the Cavaliers, it’s another win in a season that’s starting to feel like it could be something special.