Virginia Cavaliers Aim for ACC Tournament Title

Hoos look to make deep run as #2 seed after strong regular season

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Virginia Cavaliers enter the ACC Tournament as the #2 seed after a 27-4 regular season, their best record in the past 10 years. Led by All-ACC First Team selection Thijs De Ridder and Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Jacari White, the Hoos are hoping to make a deep run and potentially earn a higher NCAA Tournament seed.

Why it matters

Virginia is looking to build on its strong regular season and make a statement in the ACC Tournament. A deep run could potentially vault the Cavaliers to a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament, giving them a better path to the Final Four. However, the Cavaliers will need to shore up their second-half play, which has been a concern down the stretch.

The details

As the #2 seed, Virginia will play the winner of NC State vs. the winner of Stanford vs. Pitt in the semifinals on Thursday, March 12th. The Cavaliers are led by All-ACC First Team selection Thijs De Ridder and Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Jacari White, who has been a key spark off the bench. Freshman Ugonna Onyenso was also named to the All-Defensive Team.

  • Virginia finished the regular season with a 27-4 record, the best in the ACC in the past 10 years.
  • The ACC Tournament semifinals will take place on Thursday, March 12th.

The players

Thijs De Ridder

A key player for Virginia who was selected to the All-ACC First Team.

Jacari White

The Cavaliers' Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, providing a spark off the bench.

Ugonna Onyenso

A freshman who was named to the All-Defensive Team in the ACC.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When I say that Stanford could pull off a run, I'm looking right at Ebuka Okorie, who can pretty much go off for 30 points on any given night.”

— Val, Editor (si.com)

“I will pick Miami. The Hurricanes nearly beat the Cavaliers in Charlottesville earlier this season and we have not seen them play the Blue Devils.”

— Jackson, Editor (si.com)

What’s next

If Virginia reaches the ACC Tournament Championship, a potential rematch with Duke could determine their NCAA Tournament seeding.

The takeaway

Virginia has had an impressive regular season, but will need to shore up their second-half play and get strong performances from key players like Jacari White if they want to make a deep run in the ACC Tournament and potentially earn a higher NCAA Tournament seed.