No. 15 Virginia secured a 61-58 comeback victory Tuesday night on the road against Florida State. Despite scoring well below their season average of 82.8 points per game, the Cavaliers (21-3, 10-2 ACC) relied on a late surge and stifling defense to overcome the Seminoles (11-13, 4-7 ACC).
A Tale of Two Halves
The game was tied at the half, but Florida State took the lead 13 minutes into the first half and maintained control of the offensive pace. Virginia struggled from the floor, hitting just 2-14 shots after falling behind. A three-pointer from freshman guard Chance Mallory helped the Cavaliers claw back to a 32-32 tie at halftime.
In the second half, Virginia found success through graduate guard Jacari White, who scored 16 points and hit four three-pointers. White, who wears a brace on his left wrist after a previous fracture, delivered what Coach Ryan Odom called a “tremendous” performance. “The ball kept finding him and he kept delivering,” Odom said.
Defense Seals the Deal
Virginia’s defense proved crucial in the second half, holding Florida State to less than 60 points for the seventh time this season. Senior center Ugonna Onyenso contributed three blocks, and the Seminoles shot a dismal 6-33 from three-point range and less than 30 percent from the field overall.
Despite the win, Coach Odom acknowledged the team’s require for improvement. “We have to play better than we are playing right now if we want to challenge the best teams in the country,” he stated. However, he also emphasized the team’s resilience, noting, “There’s toughness when you’ve won 21 games now. They can win pretty, they can win ugly, they just find a way.”
Looking Ahead
Virginia will next face Ohio State in the Nashville Hoops Showdown on Saturday at 8 p.m. On Fox. The Buckeyes (15-8, 7-6 Big Ten) are ranked No. 10 in the Big Ten and are led by senior guard Bruce Thornton, who averages nearly 20 points per game. Ohio State recently lost by more than 20 points to No. 2 Michigan and will play the University of Southern California before facing the Cavaliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Virginia 61, Florida State 58.
Who led Virginia in scoring?
Jacari White led Virginia with 19 points, including 16 in the second half.
What is Virginia’s record this season?
Virginia’s record is currently 21-3 overall and 10-2 in the ACC.
Given Virginia’s recent reliance on defense to secure wins, how important will consistent offensive production be as they face tougher competition in the ACC?
