Virginia Survives Upset Bid by Florida State in Tight 61-58 Road Win

The Cavaliers' bench play and three-point shooting proved crucial in the victory over the Seminoles.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Virginia narrowly escaped Tallahassee with a 61-58 win over Florida State on Tuesday night, despite struggling to contain the Seminoles' duo of Robert McCray V and Lajae Jones, who combined for 41 points. The Cavaliers' bench stepped up, scoring 32 points and providing a much-needed spark for the starters. Virginia's three-point shooting, led by Jacari White's 5-of-9 performance, also played a key role in the victory.

Why it matters

This win keeps Virginia in contention for the top spot in the ACC, as they continue to navigate a challenging conference schedule. The Cavaliers' ability to win a close game on the road against a tough opponent demonstrates their resilience and depth, which will be crucial as they push for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Virginia committed 14 turnovers, which the Seminoles were only able to convert into 12 points. The Cavaliers' dominance on the glass, with a +10 rebounding margin, including 12 offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points, proved to be a decisive factor in the game.

  • The game was played on Tuesday night in Tallahassee, Florida.

The players

Robert McCray V

A Florida State player who scored 20 points on 6-15 shooting, including 8-10 from the free-throw line.

Lajae Jones

A Florida State player who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

Jacari White

A Virginia player who led the team in scoring with 19 points off the bench, including 5-9 shooting from three-point range.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game highlighted Virginia's resilience and depth, as their bench play and three-point shooting helped them overcome a tough road challenge against Florida State. The Cavaliers' ability to win close games on the road will be crucial as they continue their push for a top spot in the ACC standings.