No. 13 Virginia secures No. 2 seed in ACC with win over Wake Forest

Cavaliers outlast Demon Deacons 75-70 to earn double-bye in conference tournament

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The No. 13 Virginia Cavaliers defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 75-70 on Tuesday night to secure the No. 2 seed and a double-bye in the upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. Thijs De Ridder led the Cavaliers with 16 points, while Jacari White and Johann Grunloh also made key contributions. The game was close throughout, with Wake Forest's Mekhi Mason scoring 26 points and Juke Harris adding 21, but Virginia was able to hold on for the victory.

Why it matters

This win solidifies Virginia's position as one of the top teams in the ACC, earning them a valuable double-bye in the conference tournament. The Cavaliers are looking to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament after reaching the Sweet Sixteen last year.

The details

The Cavaliers struggled from 3-point range in the first half, missing their first eight attempts, but they were able to improve in the second half and finished 10-of-32 from beyond the arc. Malik Thomas hit a key 3-pointer late in the game to help Virginia hold off Wake Forest's comeback attempt. The Demon Deacons kept the game close throughout, cutting the deficit to just three points in the final seconds, but the Cavaliers were able to seal the victory with free throws.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Virginia and Wake Forest last met 16 times, with the Cavaliers winning 14 of those matchups.

The players

Thijs De Ridder

A key player for the Virginia Cavaliers, scoring 16 points in the victory over Wake Forest.

Jacari White

Contributed 14 points for the Cavaliers in the win.

Johann Grunloh

Recorded a double-double with 12 points and 9 rebounds for Virginia.

Mekhi Mason

Led the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with 26 points in the losing effort.

Juke Harris

Scored 21 points for Wake Forest in the close defeat.

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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 (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.