A Hard-Fought Victory

A win is a win, and this one felt especially sweet for the Cavaliers. Last season, they were swept by the Mustangs of SMU, making this victory all the more meaningful. The game wasn’t without its challenges, as Boopie Miller, who was responsible for last year’s defeat at the JPJ and had a big impact on Virginia Tech fans last week, struggled against Dallin Hall’s defense. Miller only managed 12 points on 4/12 shooting and recorded just three assists. However, SMU proved to be a tough and physical team, leading the ACC in scoring with nearly 90 points per game. Despite that, Virginia matched them point for point.

Malik Thomas Shines

Malik Thomas is finally finding his rhythm, and while it took some time, he’s starting to show his true potential. He was hot from beyond the arc again, hitting six three-pointers to finish as the game’s top scorer with 23 points. In addition to his scoring, Thomas recorded his second career double-double and led the game in rebounds with 11. He also played strong defense, taking turns guarding Miller and Jaron Pierre, who is a formidable presence. Thomas moved well on the court, showing the footwork of someone like Malcolm Brogdon, and he only committed a single foul throughout the game.

Jacari White’s Struggles

Jacari White isn’t fully integrated into the team yet. He saw limited playing time against Louisville, logging 12 minutes, and only got eight minutes today. While he made his one three-pointer, he also had four turnovers in that short span. His performance highlights the need for him to find his groove with the team.

Devin Tillis Steps Up

Devin Tillis may not be a household name, but he plays an essential role for the team. He can be invisible, like he was against Louisville, or he can contribute quietly, as he did in this game. Tillis doesn’t typically fill up the stat sheet—he doesn’t foul often, grab many rebounds, or handle the ball much—but he still managed to score 11 points in 14 minutes. His contributions came from three-point shooting, going 3/5 from deep. One of his plays was crucial: he saved what looked like a broken play, giving Malik Thomas his fourth three-pointer of the half and helping Virginia take the lead for the first time at the 4:34 mark.

SMU’s Strong Start

SMU started the game strongly, taking a 24–17 lead early on, hitting 10 of their first 14 shots. However, Virginia responded with a 13–2 run after Thomas and Tillis hit back-to-back threes.

Dallin Hall’s Struggles

Dallin Hall didn’t have a good day from the field. He went 0–8 from three-point range, with one shot missing the rim by a full foot. Despite that, he recorded nine assists and only one turnover, which is a positive sign for the team.

Fouls and Free Throws

Sam Edwards fouled Corey Washington on a three-point attempt. While Washington is a 40% shooter from three this year, and Virginia has a reputation for running players off the three-point line, this was at least the sixth foul on a three-pointer this season. Free throws were a key factor in the game, with both teams shooting well—Virginia at 8/10 and SMU at 11/14. However, with Virginia leading 67–65 and less than two minutes left, Boopie Miller and Chance Mallory each went 1/2 from the line. Thijs De Ridder, who shoots 64% from the free-throw line, stepped up and went 4/4 in the final minute to seal the win.

Three-Point Shooting

Both teams shot almost the same percentage from beyond the arc: Virginia at 12/31 and SMU at 5/13. The three-point shot provides more points and emotional lift compared to two-pointers. Virginia outshot SMU by seven three-pointers, which proved to be a crucial margin in the win.

Defensive Challenges

The downside is that the team will struggle when it has nights like the 10/45 performance against Virginia Tech. While SMU isn’t a tall team, they have players like Samet Yigitoglu, who is built like De Ridder but three inches taller. Although Yigitoglu didn’t have a great game, he forced Johan Grunloh and Thijs De Ridder into poor shooting performances at the rim.

A Change in Culture

I love the orange. My biggest issue with Tony Bennett was his desire to make the team look like Penn State. Virginia is blue and orange, and I’m glad Ryan Odom has brought the right culture back.

Color Commentary

The color commentator was Jim Boeheim, and it felt like watching basketball with your grandfather. His analysis included statements like “bigs gotta score close to the rim” and “Europeans make their foul shots.” He even mistakenly called Malik Thomas a freshman twice, later correcting himself by saying he confused Thomas with Louisville’s Mikel Brown. It’s unclear how much preparation he put into the game.

Chance Mallory’s Contributions

Chance Mallory was solid on the boards, contributing to the team’s rebounding efforts.

Additional Bonus

As an added bonus, Will Wade and NC State lost to Georgia Tech. Every loss for Will Wade is a positive one.

Next Game

Virginia will host North Carolina on Saturday, January 24th, at 2:00pm. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.