Virginia Dominates N.C. State 76-61 Following Triple Overtime Loss

In a strong rebound from a recent defeat, the No. 21 Virginia Cavaliers secured a convincing 76-61 victory against the N.C. State Wolfpack on January 6, 2024. This win came just three days after Virginia experienced a grueling triple overtime loss to Virginia Tech, showcasing their resilience and determination on the road.

Sam Lewis was a standout performer for the Cavaliers, matching his career high with 23 points. He dominated the first half, scoring 20 points on an impressive 7-for-8 shooting, helping Virginia establish a commanding lead. By halftime, the Cavaliers were ahead by 20 points, demonstrating their offensive prowess.

After the break, Thijs De Ridder emerged as a key player for Virginia. The 6-foot-9 forward from Belgium contributed significantly, scoring 12 of his 14 points after halftime. His impactful performance included a sequence where he grabbed an airballed three-pointer from Malik Thomas and scored just before the shot clock expired. He quickly followed that with a three-pointer of his own, and then assisted Lewis for another three-pointer, extending Virginia’s lead to 66-44 with just over eight minutes left in the game.

The match was not without its drama. Virginia’s first-year head coach, Ryan Odom, received a technical foul in the second half for his animated reaction to a late whistle. Odom’s frustrations were evident as he expressed his displeasure while being gently restrained by assistant coach Bryce Crawford.

The Wolfpack, led by Quadir Copeland who scored 15 points, struggled to find their rhythm early in the game. Although they managed to improve their performance in the second half and narrowed the gap to 46-38 following a three-pointer by Paul McNeil Jr. at the 14:39 mark, they could not sustain the momentum. N.C. State faced difficulties, making only one basket in the following six minutes, while the Cavaliers capitalized on their opportunities, finishing the night with a shooting percentage of 50% and converting 13 three-pointers.

Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will host California on January 10, 2024, while the Wolfpack will embark on their first ACC road game against Boston College on January 9, 2024. This victory against N.C. State marks an important step for Virginia as they aim to solidify their position in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference.