No. 21 Virginia erased the sting of a brutal triple-overtime loss by dominating North Carolina State 76-61, powered by Sam Lewis’ career-high 23 points and Thijs De Ridder’s second-half takeover — proving their resilience is real.
The Rebound Wasn’t Just About Winning — It Was About Healing
Virginia didn’t just beat North Carolina State on Saturday night — they exorcised demons from three days prior. After suffering one of the most harrowing losses of the season — a triple-overtime defeat at Virginia Tech — the Cavaliers returned to the court with fire in their bellies and a collective will to prove they’re more than a flash in the pan.
Sam Lewis, the young guard who had been quietly emerging as a leader, delivered his best performance yet. Scoring 23 points — including a perfect 7-for-8 shooting from the field by halftime — he turned the tide early. His presence was commanding, his execution flawless. He wasn’t just scoring; he was orchestrating the offense, creating space for teammates, and shutting down the Wolfpack’s transition game.
De Ridder’s Second-Half Surge Is Why This Team Belongs in the Top 25
While Lewis ignited the first half, it was Thijs De Ridder who sealed the win. The 6-foot-9 Belgian prospect, known for his versatility and international pedigree, took over after halftime. He scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half alone — including a dazzling sequence where he intercepted an airballed three-pointer by Malik Thomas, secured the rebound, and finished with a smooth layup before hitting a three-pointer himself.
That play — followed by a defensive stop and a fast-break transition — set up Lewis’ corner three that gave Virginia a 66-44 lead with 8:53 left. It wasn’t just points; it was momentum. De Ridder’s ability to control tempo, dominate the paint, and finish inside or out showed why scouts are already projecting him as a top-five pick in next year’s draft.
Odom’s Fury and the Real Story Behind the Stats
Behind the scenes, there was drama. First-year head coach Ryan Odom picked up a technical foul late in the second half — not because he lost his cool, but because he reacted with fury to a controversial call. He flailed his arms, shouted at officials, and was pulled back by assistant Bryce Crawford. That moment — captured in still images — became the emotional centerpiece of the game.
It wasn’t about the whistle — it was about the pressure. Virginia had been rattled by their previous loss, and Odom’s reaction was the embodiment of a team fighting to regain its identity. His players responded with intensity, discipline, and focus — traits that define championship teams.
NC State’s Struggles Were More Than Just a Slow Start
N.C. State came into the game with momentum, having won their last two contests — including a dramatic overtime win over Duke. But against Virginia, they couldn’t find rhythm. They shot just 36% in the second half, missed crucial shots, and struggled to contain the Cavs’ offensive explosion.
Quadir Copeland scored 15 points — but even his efforts couldn’t overcome the depth of Virginia’s bench. The Wolfpack managed just one basket over six minutes after halftime — a stretch that ultimately defined the game. Their inability to close gaps or sustain pressure exposed vulnerabilities that have plagued them all season.
What This Means for Virginia’s Season and Beyond
With this win, Virginia improves to 12-2 overall and 1-1 in the ACC — positioning them firmly among the elite teams in the conference. Their next opponent? California — a tough road test that will reveal whether this squad can translate wins into consistency.
Meanwhile, N.C. State heads to Boston College — a critical road game that could determine whether they remain competitive or continue sliding toward mediocrity. The Wolfpack’s struggles aren’t just statistical — they’re psychological. Virginia proved they can weather adversity, and now they must prove they can maintain it.
For fans seeking deeper analysis, our team has covered every angle — from De Ridder’s potential draft stock to Odom’s coaching evolution. Subscribe to onlytrustedinfo.com for the fastest, most authoritative breakdowns of college basketball’s biggest moments.
