In a thrilling collegiate basketball encounter, the Virginia Cavaliers, currently ranked 15th nationally, demonstrated their tenacity by securing a 70-66 victory over the unranked Ohio State Buckeyes. The game, held at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, saw the Cavaliers overcoming early struggles and inconsistent defense to clinch a crucial win. This performance highlights the team's ability to respond under pressure, particularly during the critical closing minutes where their defensive prowess shone, punctuated by timely steals and blocks. The outcome marks a significant achievement for Virginia, pushing their season record to an impressive 22-3 as they gear up for the demanding stretch of ACC play.
Cavaliers Navigate Through Tense Matchup to Claim Victory in Nashville
On the evening of February 14, 2026, the 15th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers faced off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in a tightly contested basketball game held in Nashville, Tennessee. The Cavaliers ultimately triumphed with a 70-66 victory, showcasing their resilience despite periods of challenging play.
The game began with the Buckeyes establishing an early 11-point lead through a 14-2 run, suggesting another slow offensive start for Virginia. However, the Cavaliers quickly regrouped, launching a 9-0 run to narrow the deficit to two points. From that juncture, Virginia asserted greater control, even leading by five points before halftime.
Despite this recovery, the second half presented renewed offensive woes, with Virginia struggling to find the basket for extended periods. The team managed only one field goal in the initial 6:55 of the second half, allowing Ohio State to regain a six-point advantage. Yet, the Cavaliers' offense eventually found its rhythm, orchestrating a pivotal 13-2 run that transformed Ohio State's lead into a five-point advantage for Virginia.
Defensively, the Cavaliers experienced an uneven performance for much of the game, struggling against Ohio State's key player, Bruce Thornton, especially with the absence of their second-leading scorer, John Mobley Jr., due to injury. However, in the final ten minutes, Virginia's defense significantly tightened, limiting the Buckeyes to only seven points and effectively sealing their victory with key defensive plays, including a steal by Dallin Hall and a crucial block by Ugonna Onyenso.
Individual performances were instrumental in Virginia's success. Malik Thomas led the scoring with 13 points, supported by Sam Lewis with 12 points. Despite a quieter night for Thijs De Ridder, who contributed only six points, the Cavaliers' bench stepped up remarkably, tallying 28 points, with Chance Mallory adding 12 points. Mallory's assertive play, drawing fouls and orchestrating the offense, was particularly notable in the first-half turnaround.
The Cavaliers' strategy regarding three-point attempts also saw a shift; they attempted only 18 three-pointers, a notable decrease from their season average of 28.5 and even higher in ACC play. This suggests a deliberate focus on attacking the interior defense, leading to easier scores and more free-throw opportunities.
Looking ahead, as Virginia enters the latter part of its season with crucial matchups against Miami, NC State, and No. 4 Duke looming, the team will undoubtedly seek more consistent offensive contributions from players like Thijs De Ridder, who has recently faced a scoring slump. A forthcoming game against Georgia Tech could offer an opportunity for De Ridder to regain his form.
This hard-fought win underscores the Virginia Cavaliers' capacity to overcome adversity and maintain their competitive edge. It reinforces the importance of strong defensive play and bench contributions, especially when primary scorers face challenges. For fans and analysts alike, this game serves as a testament to the team's resilience and strategic adaptability as they navigate the complexities of a challenging basketball season.