No. 18 Virginia reaches 20 wins, takes down fading Syracuse

Cavaliers improve to 12-1 at home with victory over Orange

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:15pm

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No. 18 Virginia reached 20 wins on the season with a 72-59 victory over Syracuse in Atlantic Coast Conference action on Saturday. Sam Lewis scored 16 points to lead the Cavaliers, who knocked down 10 3-pointers and got 10 points and 8 rebounds from Ugonna Onyenso. Virginia coach Ryan Odom reached 20 wins for the fourth straight season at three different schools. Naithan George scored a game-high 19 points for the struggling Orange, who have lost six of their last seven games.

Why it matters

The win keeps No. 18 Virginia in the hunt for a high seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament. For Syracuse, the loss is another setback in what has been a disappointing season for the once-proud program.

The details

Virginia led by as many as 12 points in the first half before Syracuse rallied to tie the game at 33-33. The Cavaliers then pulled away in the second half, leading by as many as 11 points late. Virginia shot 41.3% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range, while holding Syracuse to 49% shooting.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Sam Lewis

A key player for Virginia, scoring 16 points in the win.

Ugonna Onyenso

Contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds for the Cavaliers.

Ryan Odom

The Virginia head coach reached 20 wins for the fourth straight season at three different schools.

Naithan George

Led Syracuse with a game-high 19 points in the losing effort.

J.J. Starling

Scored 13 points for the struggling Orange.

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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

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game showcases Virginia's continued success under coach Ryan Odom, as the Cavaliers reached the 20-win mark for the fourth straight season. Meanwhile, Syracuse's struggles continue as the once-dominant program tries to regain its footing in the ACC.