SportsMen's Basketball

Virginia Cavaliers Advance in ACC Tournament with Win Over NC State

3 months agoUS
Virginia Cavaliers Advance in ACC Tournament with Win Over NC StateSource: espn.com
The No. 10 Virginia Cavaliers defeated the NC State Wolfpack 81-74 in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Virginia set a school record with 12 three-pointers in the game, advancing to the semifinals. The game was held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.

Key Insights

Virginia beat NC State for the third time this season, securing their spot in the ACC Tournament semifinals.

Virginia set a school record with 12 three-pointers during the game.

Malik Thomas led Virginia with 16 points, while Thijs De Ridder contributed 15 points.

Ugonna Onyenso recorded eight blocks, the second-most in ACC Tournament history.

UVA will face Miami in the ACC Tournament semifinals.

Why does this matter? This victory propels Virginia further into the ACC Tournament, increasing their chances of securing a strong seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Onyenso's performance underscores his importance to the team's defense, while the team's three-point shooting demonstrates their offensive versatility.

In-Depth Analysis

Virginia (28-4) entered the ACC Tournament as the No. 2 seed and faced No. 7 seed NC State (20-13) in the quarterfinals. The Cavaliers' offense was potent, averaging 80.9 points per game this season, the most since 2000-01. Freshman Thijs De Ridder has been a standout player, earning All-ACC First Team and All-Rookie honors.

NC State's performance was hampered by poor shooting, with a season-low 29.4% field goal percentage in a prior meeting against Virginia. Virginia's defense, led by Ugonna Onyenso, disrupted NC State's offensive flow throughout the game.

Looking ahead, Virginia will face Miami in the semifinals. The Cavaliers previously defeated Miami by three points earlier in the season. A win would further solidify Virginia's position as a top contender in the ACC and boost their NCAA Tournament aspirations.

How to Prepare:

Fans should monitor injury reports and starting lineups for both teams.

Pay attention to the three-point shooting performance, as Virginia's success from beyond the arc was a key factor in this game.

Who This Affects Most:

Virginia Cavaliers fans and alumni.

Potential NCAA Tournament seeding for both Virginia and NC State.

FAQs

Q: Who was Virginia's leading scorer?

Malik Thomas led Virginia with 16 points.

Q: How many blocks did Ugonna Onyenso have?

Ugonna Onyenso recorded eight blocks.

Q: Who will Virginia play in the ACC Tournament semifinals?

Virginia will play Miami in the ACC Tournament semifinals.

Key Takeaways

Virginia's strong offensive performance, particularly their three-point shooting, was crucial to their victory.

Ugonna Onyenso's defensive presence significantly impacted NC State's offense.

Virginia's veteran composure and experience in close games helped them maintain their lead.

The Cavaliers are now one step closer to an ACC Tournament title and a strong NCAA Tournament seed.

Discussion

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