Virginia Faces First True Road Test Against High-Powered Texas in ACC/SEC Challenge
The Virginia Cavaliers are stepping into unfamiliar territory this week - not just a new gym, but their first true road game of the season. And it’s no easy task. They’re heading to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns in the ACC/SEC Challenge, a matchup that promises to be one of their toughest early-season tests.
Virginia rolls in with a 6-1 record, fresh off a dominant 94-69 win over Queens. That game was a showcase of offensive rhythm and ball movement - 24 assists on 32 made shots, just eight turnovers, and a wire-to-wire performance that saw them lead by as much as 33. It was the kind of game coaches dream about, and it gave the Cavaliers a confidence boost heading into this road swing.
Thijs De Ridder led the way in that one, dropping 21 points on a blistering 8-of-10 from the field in just 21 minutes. He wasn’t alone in the scoring column either - six players finished in double figures, including Sam Lewis, Johann Grunloh, Chance Mallory, Devin Tillis, and Jacari White. That kind of depth could be critical against a Texas team that can score in bunches.
Speaking of Texas, the Longhorns come in at 6-2, having gone 2-1 at the Maui Invitational to claim a fifth-place finish. After dropping their opener to Arizona State, they rebounded with wins over Chaminade and NC State.
That NC State game was a wild one - Texas led by 15 at one point, gave up the lead, and then rallied to win 102-97. It was a shootout, and it showed just how explosive this Longhorns offense can be.
Jordan Pope was the star in that game, torching NC State for 28 points and drilling seven threes. He’s been streaky this year, but when he’s on, he’s a game-changer.
The Longhorns also got strong performances from Dailyn Swain and Matas Vokietatis, two transfers who have wasted no time making their mark. Swain, a do-it-all forward from Xavier, is leading the team in scoring and contributing across the board.
Vokietatis, a big man from Florida Atlantic, has been a force in the paint, shooting over 70% on two-pointers.
Both teams come into this one with top-40 KenPom rankings - Virginia at No. 38, Texas at No. 40 - and the statistical profiles are strikingly similar.
They both play at a methodical pace, they both value ball security, and they both crash the glass hard. But there are a few key areas where the game could be won or lost.
Three Keys for Virginia
1. Stay Out of Foul Trouble
This might be the biggest one. Texas is elite at getting to the free-throw line, ranking top-20 nationally in free throw attempts per field goal attempt.
Against NC State, they shot 33 free throws and hit 28 of them - that’s 84.8%, and that’s a problem if you’re Virginia. The Cavaliers have had their issues with foul trouble, especially in the frontcourt, and if guys like De Ridder or Jordan Hall pick up early whistles, it could open the door for Texas to control the pace and the paint.
2. Defend the Paint Without Fouling
Texas wants to get downhill. They average 36 two-point attempts per game and are hitting nearly 58% of them - that’s efficiency you can’t ignore.
Virginia’s defense has been solid, but this will be the toughest offense they’ve faced so far. The Cavs rank 13th in two-point field goal percentage defense, holding opponents to just 42.1%.
If they can keep that up without sending Texas to the line, they’ll give themselves a real shot.
3. Keep the Threes Falling
Virginia found its stroke from deep against Queens, going 15-of-33 from beyond the arc. That kind of performance can swing a road game, especially against a Texas defense that’s allowing opponents to shoot 33.6% from three. NC State lit them up for 9-of-19 (47.4%) from deep, and if Virginia can replicate that kind of efficiency, they’ll be in business.
Players to Watch
Virginia
- Thijs De Ridder has been the heartbeat of this offense, averaging 18.0 points on 60% shooting inside the arc and 44.4% from three. He was dominant against Queens and will need to bring that same energy against a physical Texas front line.
- Malik Thomas had a quiet game last time out, scoring just 8 points and missing all five of his three-point attempts.
But he’s been one of Virginia’s most consistent scorers this season and will be looking to bounce back in a big way.
- Chance Mallory continues to do a little bit of everything. He’s averaging 11.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists per game while shooting 43.5% from deep. His versatility gives Virginia a lot of lineup flexibility.
Texas
- Dailyn Swain is the engine for the Longhorns. He’s scored in double digits every game this season and is averaging 16.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. He’s not a huge threat from three, but he’s relentless attacking the rim.
- Matas Vokietatis has been a model of consistency in the post, scoring at least 12 points in every game. He’s efficient (71.7% on twos) and strong on the boards.
- Jordan Pope is the wild card. His 28-point outburst against NC State showed what he’s capable of, especially from deep. If he gets hot, he can change the game in a hurry.
Stat Check
This matchup is as even as it gets across the board. Both teams are top-30 in adjusted offensive efficiency - UVA ranks 25th, Texas 35th - and both are hovering around the top 100 defensively.
Virginia has the edge in rim protection, ranking second in the nation in blocks per game at 8.0. Texas, meanwhile, is one of the best rebounding teams in the country, with a +14.1 rebound margin that ranks fifth nationally.
One underrated stat? Offensive rebounding percentage.
Virginia leads the nation at 46.8%, while Texas comes in at a strong 37.2%. Second-chance points could be a major factor.
The Bottom Line
Virginia’s first road test comes against a Texas team that can score fast and often. The Cavaliers will need to control tempo, stay disciplined defensively, and knock down open looks from deep. This isn’t just a measuring stick game - it’s a chance to make a national statement.
Tip-off is set for 9:15 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
Buckle up. This one’s got the makings of a December thriller.