No. 18 Virginia Faces Syracuse in ACC Clash

Cavaliers' stifling defense looks to slow down Orange offense

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:23am

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No. 18 Virginia will host Syracuse in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers have built their success this season on a stingy defense that has held 12 opponents under 40% shooting, while Syracuse will try to solve Virginia's frontcourt and find success from the 3-point line.

Why it matters

This game features two teams heading in opposite directions in the ACC standings. Virginia has won 8 of its last 9 games and is looking to solidify its position in the top 25, while Syracuse has lost 5 of its last 6 and is searching for a signature win against a ranked opponent.

The details

Virginia's defense, led by the size of Thijs De Ridder, Johann Grunloh, and Ugonna Onyenso, has been the key to the team's success this season. The Cavaliers have not allowed any opponent to shoot 50% from the field. Syracuse, on the other hand, has found success when shooting 50% or better from the field, including conference wins over Florida State, Notre Dame, and Pitt. The Orange will need to find a way to solve Virginia's stifling defense, potentially by hitting 3-pointers at a high rate.

  • The game will take place on Saturday afternoon in Charlottesville, Virginia.
  • Virginia is on a 3-game winning streak and has won 8 of its last 9 games.
  • Syracuse has lost 5 of its last 6 games and is 1-3 against Top 25 teams this season.

The players

Thijs De Ridder

A 6-foot-9 forward who leads Virginia in scoring (16.7 ppg) and rebounding (6.6 rpg).

Johann Grunloh

A 7-foot center who has combined with Onyenso for 103 blocked shots this season.

Ugonna Onyenso

A 7-foot center who has combined with Grunloh for 103 blocked shots this season.

Donnie Freeman

Syracuse's leading scorer, averaging 18.6 points per game.

Adrian Autry

In his first season as Syracuse's head coach after previously serving as an assistant.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of it's a mindset, a willingness to play to a good level and give max effort on every possession.”

— Ryan Odom, Virginia Head Coach

“On both sides, we have to get better and more consistent. That's what we have to do. For us to go where we want to go, this is part of the season, this is part of the journey.”

— Adrian Autry, Syracuse Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a step closer to securing a higher seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament.

The takeaway

This game will showcase the contrast between Virginia's stifling defense and Syracuse's high-powered offense. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations in the competitive ACC.