Virginia Cavaliers Survive Road Test, Beat Florida State 61-58

No. 15 Virginia overcame a slow start to secure a comeback victory against the Seminoles.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The No. 15 Virginia Cavaliers secured a 61-58 comeback victory on the road against Florida State on Tuesday night. Despite scoring well below their season average, the Cavaliers relied on a late surge and stifling defense to overcome the Seminoles.

Why it matters

This win marks Virginia's ninth road victory of the season, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to win in tough environments as they prepare for the ACC Tournament.

The details

Virginia struggled offensively in the first half, hitting just 2-14 shots after falling behind. However, a three-pointer from freshman guard Chance Mallory helped the Cavaliers tie the game at 32-32 by halftime. In the second half, graduate guard Jacari White scored 16 points and hit four three-pointers to lead the Cavaliers' comeback. Virginia's defense also proved crucial, holding Florida State to less than 60 points and a dismal 6-33 from three-point range.

  • The game was tied at halftime, 32-32.
  • Virginia took the lead 13 minutes into the first half and maintained control of the offensive pace.

The players

Jacari White

A graduate guard for Virginia who scored 16 points and hit four three-pointers in the second half to lead the Cavaliers' comeback.

Chance Mallory

A freshman guard for Virginia who hit a three-pointer to help the Cavaliers tie the game at 32-32 by halftime.

Ugonna Onyenso

A senior center for Virginia who contributed three blocks on the defensive end.

Bruce Thornton

A senior guard for Ohio State, Virginia's next opponent, who averages nearly 20 points per game.

Ryan Odom

The head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, who acknowledged the team's need for improvement despite the win.

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What they’re saying

“The ball kept finding him and he kept delivering.”

— Ryan Odom, Head Coach, Virginia Cavaliers (newsy-today.com)

“We have to play better than we are playing right now if we want to challenge the best teams in the country.”

— Ryan Odom, Head Coach, Virginia Cavaliers (newsy-today.com)

“There's toughness when you've won 21 games now. They can win pretty, they can win ugly, they just find a way.”

— Ryan Odom, Head Coach, Virginia Cavaliers (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Virginia will next face Ohio State in the Nashville Hoops Showdown on Saturday at 8 p.m. on Fox. The Buckeyes are ranked No. 10 in the Big Ten and are led by senior guard Bruce Thornton, who averages nearly 20 points per game.

The takeaway

While Virginia's offensive struggles raise questions about their ability to consistently perform against top-tier ACC opponents, their resilience and defensive prowess have been key to their 21-3 record this season. As the ACC Tournament approaches, the Cavaliers will need to find a way to balance their offensive and defensive strengths to challenge the best teams in the country.