No. 11 Virginia delivered a decisive 90-61 victory over NC State, with Thijs De Ridder leading the charge with 19 points, positioning the Cavaliers as serious contenders ahead of their critical showdown against No. 1 Duke on Saturday.
The Cavaliers (25-3, 13-2 ACC) left no doubt in their ninth consecutive victory, overwhelming NC State with a balanced offensive attack and suffocating defense. Five Virginia players scored in double figures, led by Thijs De Ridder with 19 points. Sam Lewis added 16, Jacari White chipped in 15, and Malik Thomas contributed 12, showcasing the team’s offensive depth.
Defensively, Virginia was equally dominating. The Cavaliers recorded 12 blocks, with 7-foot freshman Johann Grünloh setting a career-high with eight. The bench outscored NC State’s reserves 32-5, highlighting Virginia’s strength beyond its starters.
The Big Picture: What This Win Means for Virginia
This victory was more than just another notch in the win column—it was a statement. With the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils looming on Saturday, the Cavaliers signaled they are more than ready for the challenge. The last time these squads met, Virginia fell short by just seven points (72-65) on January 24, 2026. That close loss has fueled the Cavaliers’ current nine-game winning streak, and they now have a chance to prove they belong in the national title conversation.
The win also cements Virginia’s position as the ACC’s second-best team, trailing only Duke in the conference standings. A victory over the Blue Devils on Saturday would not only bolster their NCAA Tournament resume but also redefine their season narrative from underrated contenders to legitimate title threats.
The Wolfpack’s Woes: What Went Wrong for NC State
NC State (19-9, 10-5 ACC) struggled from the opening tip. The Wolfpack shot a dismal 18.2% from the field and went 2-for-13 from three-point range in the first half, digging a hole they couldn’t escape. Paul McNeil Jr. led NC State with 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter Virginia’s relentless pressure.
The second half saw an altercation leading to the ejection of NC State’s Scottie Ebube for leaving the bench, while Sam Lewis and Darrion Williams received offsetting technical fouls. The incident disrupted the Wolfpack’s momentum, further solidifying Virginia’s control over the game.
Key Takeaways: Why This Game Matters
- Thijs De Ridder’s Injury Concern: De Ridder left the game with about five minutes remaining, limping off the court. His health will be critical for Virginia’s upcoming pivotal matchup with Duke.
- Defensive Domination: Virginia’s 12 blocks and stifling defense highlight why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.
- Balanced Offense: With five players in double figures and a bench that outscored NC State’s 32-5, the Cavaliers displayed their depth and versatility.
What’s Next
N.C. State will look to bounce back as they travel to face Notre Dame on Saturday. Meanwhile, Virginia’s focus shifts to its monumental showdown with No. 1 Duke. A win could propel the Cavaliers into the top 10 and set the stage for a potential deep NCAA Tournament run.
For more on the latest AP Top 25 rankings and updates, visit the official AP poll hub.
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