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Virginia Basketball Ties School Record With Stunning Comeback Win Over Notre Dame
Cavaliers erase 19-point deficit in double overtime thriller
Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:23pm
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The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team delivered a historic comeback victory, erasing a 19-point deficit to defeat Notre Dame 100-97 in double overtime. The win tied the largest comeback in school history and marked Virginia's first 100-point performance since 2007. Freshman forward Thijs De Ridder led the Cavaliers with a career-high 32 points off the bench.
Why it matters
This game showcased Virginia's resilience and evolution as a program, proving they can adapt their traditionally defense-first identity to survive chaotic high-scoring affairs against ACC opponents. The comeback also sets the Cavaliers up well for the rest of the season as they look to build on this momentum.
The details
Virginia struggled early, falling behind by 19 points in the first half as Notre Dame controlled the tempo and shot the ball efficiently from the perimeter. But the Cavaliers chipped away in the second half, making defensive adjustments to slow the Irish's shooting while finding consistent offense inside and at the free-throw line. Virginia forced overtime after senior forward Devin Tillis hit two free throws with 18 seconds left in regulation, and then extended the game to a second overtime period when freshman Sam Lewis hit a contested three-pointer with three seconds left in the first OT. In the second overtime, Virginia leaned on its depth and composure to seal the 100-97 victory, with Lewis scoring the final four points.
- The game took place on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
- Virginia trailed by 19 points in the first half.
- The Cavaliers forced overtime after Devin Tillis hit two free throws with 18 seconds left in regulation.
- Sam Lewis hit a three-pointer with 3 seconds left in the first overtime to extend the game.
- The second overtime period decided the 100-97 final score.
The players
Devin Tillis
A senior forward for the Virginia Cavaliers who hit two crucial free throws late in regulation to force overtime.
Sam Lewis
A freshman forward for the Virginia Cavaliers who hit a contested three-pointer with 3 seconds left in the first overtime to extend the game.
Thijs De Ridder
A freshman forward for the Virginia Cavaliers who scored a career-high 32 points off the bench.
What’s next
The Cavaliers will look to build on this historic comeback win as they continue ACC play, with their next game scheduled for Saturday, January 31 against Georgia Tech.
The takeaway
This game showcased Virginia's ability to adapt their traditional defensive identity and survive high-scoring, chaotic affairs against ACC opponents. The Cavaliers' resilience and depth were on full display as they rallied from a large deficit to tie a school record for the largest comeback in program history.
