Sam Lewis erupted for 23 points, leading No. 21 Virginia to a 76-61 rout of NC State — a statement win that cements the Cavaliers’ identity under first-year coach Ryan Odom and sets the tone for a promising ACC season.
Sam Lewis didn’t just score 23 points — he owned the game. The junior guard, who entered Saturday averaging 8.8 points per game, exploded for 15 by halftime, matching his season high. His performance wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was the catalyst for a 76-61 demolition of NC State, a win that marked first-year head coach Ryan Odom’s first victory in the ACC.
Virginia’s offense was relentless. They led by as many as 27 points and never trailed, a testament to Lewis’s poise and the team’s collective execution. Thijs De Ridder added 14 points, Malik Thomas chipped in 13, and reserve Devin Tillis contributed 10 — but the real story was Lewis’s efficiency. He connected on five 3-pointers, matching the Wolfpack’s total (5 of 20), and his scoring was the heartbeat of Virginia’s 36-24 rebounding advantage.
NC State, looking to snap a three-game losing streak against ranked opponents, was led by Quadir Copeland’s 15 points and Paul McNeil Jr.’s 13. But their offense sputtered — shooting just 36% (18 of 50) — while Virginia, despite turning the ball over 14 times, found a way to win with disciplined ball movement and a balanced attack. The Cavaliers finished with 13 baskets from both 3-point range and 2-point distance, a testament to their offensive versatility.
Virginia’s dominance began early. They built a 40-20 halftime lead, a cushion that felt insurmountable. But NC State didn’t fold — they mounted an 18-4 run to trim the deficit to 46-38. That’s when Tillis stepped up, hitting back-to-back baskets including a 3-pointer to rebuild Virginia’s lead to 58-42. By the time Lewis drained a corner 3, Virginia held a 66-44 advantage — a lead that would never be threatened.
The game’s most electrifying moment came when Lewis scored 12 of Virginia’s first 15 points, outscoring the entire NC State team in the first 11 minutes. The Cavaliers then went up 23-13 and never looked back, building a 33-14 advantage. NC State went through a stretch of more than four minutes with just one point — a moment that encapsulated their inability to keep up with Virginia’s pace and execution.
Virginia’s victory was a statement. After a three-overtime loss at Virginia Tech, they came out energized for a game with a late-morning tip-off. Their performance was a reminder that this team, under Odom’s leadership, is built for resilience and execution — not just talent. The win also showcased the depth of their roster, with reserve players stepping up when needed.
For NC State, the loss was a setback in their quest to prove they can compete with ranked teams. They now sit at 0-3 against ranked opponents this season — a troubling trend that could impact their NCAA Tournament prospects. Virginia, meanwhile, moves to 12-2 overall and 1-1 in the ACC — a solid start for a team that has already proven it can compete with the best.
Looking ahead, this win could be a turning point. Lewis’s breakout performance suggests he’s ready to be a cornerstone of Virginia’s offense, and Odom’s ability to manage a high-pressure game — even in overtime — signals a coach who’s ready to lead. The Cavaliers’ next challenge will be maintaining this momentum as they navigate a tough ACC schedule.
For fans, this game was more than just a win — it was a glimpse into what Virginia can become. With Lewis at the helm, and a roster that can play both ends of the floor, the Cavaliers are poised for a breakout season. And if they keep this level of execution, they could be contenders for the ACC title — and beyond.
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