No. 11 UVA Routs NC State, 90-61

Cavaliers lead from start to finish in ninth straight win

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers led from start to finish in a dominant 90-61 victory over visiting North Carolina State. Five Cavaliers scored in double figures, led by Thijs DeRidder's 19 points. Virginia hit 13 3-pointers and never trailed in the game, building a 30-point lead late in the second half.

Why it matters

This win extends Virginia's winning streak to nine games as they prepare for a showdown with No. 1 Duke on Saturday. The Cavaliers have been one of the hottest teams in the country over the past month and this decisive victory over a conference opponent demonstrates their ability to dominate on both ends of the floor.

The details

Virginia opened the game on a 13-2 run, with Sam Lewis knocking down a pair of early 3-pointers. NC State struggled mightily from the field, starting just 2-of-19. The Cavaliers built a 30-point lead late in the second half, allowing head coach Ryan Odom to empty his bench as Virginia cruised to the 29-point victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • This was Virginia's final tuneup before facing No. 1 Duke on Saturday.

The players

Thijs DeRidder

Led Virginia with 19 points in the victory.

Sam Lewis

Scored 16 points and hit 5 of Virginia's 13 3-pointers.

Jacari White

Came off the bench to add 15 points for the Cavaliers.

Ryan Odom

Virginia's head coach, was able to empty his bench late in the blowout win.

Tre Holloman

NC State's lone bright spot, hitting a 3-pointer early in the game.

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What’s next

Virginia will face No. 1 Duke on Saturday, February 29, 2026.

The takeaway

Virginia's dominant performance against NC State demonstrates their ability to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor, making them a formidable opponent for any team in the country as they gear up for a marquee matchup with Duke.