Virginia Defeats Ohio State: Five Key Takeaways from Nashville Victory

The No. 15 Virginia Cavaliers secured a narrow victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes, winning 70-66 in Nashville, Tennessee. This victory marked an important moment in the season as Virginia improved to 22-3 and continued to establish itself ahead of a critical stretch in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play.

Key Performers from the Game

• Malik Thomas: led the Cavaliers with 13 points.
• Sam Lewis: contributed 12 points.
• Chance Mallory: added significant depth from the bench with 12 points.
• Thijs De Ridder: struggled offensively with only 6 points and continues to face challenges this season.

Retrieving Control After a Slow Start

The game started poorly for Virginia, as Ohio State surged to a quick 14-2 lead. However, the Cavaliers bounced back, fueled by a 9-0 run to pull within two points. Mallory’s free-throw shooting and offensive pressure helped Virginia regain momentum, leading the team into a 32-27 advantage by halftime.

Second Half Challenges

The second half began unfavorably for the Cavaliers. They struggled offensively, failing to make a field goal for over six minutes. This provided Ohio State the chance to retake the lead by six points. Yet again, Virginia found a rhythm late in the second half, crafting a game-changing 13-2 run to seize control.

Defensive Performance

Virginia’s defense was inconsistent throughout the game but tightened significantly in the closing moments. Notably, the Buckeyes scored just seven points in the final 10 minutes. This defensive pressure allowed the Cavaliers to finish strong, culminating in a crucial block from Ugonna Onyenso and a steal by Dallin Hall that helped secure the victory.

Virginia’s Three-Point Strategy

Virginia notably altered its approach from previous games by limiting its three-point attempts to 18, a significant drop compared to recent outings. This shift resulted in more aggressive interior play and a higher frequency of free-throw opportunities. The Cavaliers had been averaging over 28 three-point attempts per game but successfully capitalized on attacking Ohio State’s defense.

Concerns About Thijs De Ridder

Despite the victory, concerns linger about Thijs De Ridder, who has struggled offensively in recent matches. Scoring just six points, he has now failed to hit double digits in three consecutive games. Heading into important contests against Miami, NC State, and No. 4 Duke, Virginia will need De Ridder to regain his scoring form. Upcoming games, including a matchup against Georgia Tech, present a chance for him to bounce back.