UVA Defeats NC State in ACC Tournament

Ugonna Onyenso blocks 8 shots, second-most in event history

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:33pm

The University of Virginia men's basketball team defeated NC State in the ACC Tournament, with Nigerian center Ugonna Onyenso blocking a remarkable 8 shots, the second-highest single-game total in tournament history.

Why it matters

Onyenso's dominant defensive performance was a key factor in UVA's victory, showcasing the team's depth and ability to win even without their top scorers. The ACC Tournament is a high-stakes event that determines conference seeding for the NCAA March Madness tournament.

The details

Onyenso, a 7-foot Nigerian player, recorded 8 blocked shots in the game, the second-most in ACC Tournament history. His defensive presence was crucial in shutting down NC State's offense and leading UVA to the win.

  • The game took place on March 12, 2026 during the ACC Tournament.

The players

Ugonna Onyenso

A 7-foot Nigerian center playing for the University of Virginia men's basketball team.

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The takeaway

Onyenso's dominant defensive performance demonstrates UVA's depth and ability to win even without their top scorers, making them a formidable opponent in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.