Virginia Basketball Hosts Miami Saturday Matinee with Tony Bennett Court Dedication
No. 14 virginia basketball (23-3, 11-2 ACC) welcomes Miami (21-5, 10-3 ACC) to John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday, Feb. 21, with tipoff scheduled for 2: 00 p. m. ET. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1: 45 p. m. for the pregame Tony Bennett court dedication; the matchup will be available on television and radio.
Virginia Basketball vs. Miami: Records and Recent Form
Both teams arrive with strong league résumés. Virginia sits at 23-3 overall and 11-2 in ACC play, while Miami is 21-5 overall and 10-3 in conference games. Virginia has put together an extended run of success, winning seven straight and 12 of its last 14 contests. Miami enters on a streak of its own, having won four games in a row and compiling multiple recent wins over league opponents.
The Cavaliers' most recent road performance was a dominant victory at Georgia Tech, a game highlighted by a 94-68 final in which Virginia made 14 three-pointers and won the rebounding battle by 17 boards. Defensively, Virginia limited that opponent to 27 first-half points and held the team to 38% shooting overall in that contest.
Miami's offense has been efficient across the season, owning the best field-goal percentage in the conference at 50. 5%. Two scorers have driven much of the Canes' production: Malik Reneau (19. 7 points per game) and Tre Donaldson (16. 4 points per game). Donaldson has also emerged as a primary playmaker, dishing out nearly six assists per game, and both players have delivered big scoring nights in recent weeks.
Pregame Plans, Court Dedication and What to Watch
Tipoff is set for 2: 00 p. m. ET at John Paul Jones Arena. The pregame Tony Bennett court dedication is scheduled for 1: 45 p. m., and attendees are asked to be seated by that time. Tickets and arrival timing may be subject to the host venue's standard procedures.
- Time: 2: 00 p. m. ET (arrive by 1: 45 p. m. for court dedication)
- Location: John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville
- What to expect: a showcase matchup between two top ACC teams riding streaks
Key matchups will center on Virginia's defensive identity versus Miami's efficient offense. Virginia's recent defensive performances — including a stretch of games allowing 68 points or fewer — suggest the Cavaliers will look to control tempo and limit high-percentage looks. Miami, meanwhile, will seek to exploit its floor efficiency and ball movement, using its high team field-goal percentage and scoring from Reneau and Donaldson.
Players listed among Virginia's rotation include Thijs De Ridder, Dallin Hall, Sam Lewis, Chance Mallory, Ugonna Onyenso, Malik Thomas and Jacari White. De Ridder and Hall have been contributors in recent games, with De Ridder pacing scoring in at least one contest and Hall producing a double-double in another.
For Miami, watch how the Canes manage the glass against Virginia's size and how their pick-and-roll and passing schemes create scoring opportunities for their top scorers. Rebounding battles and interior defense will be particularly relevant given recent performances highlighted by each team's emphasis on limiting opponent shots and securing second chances.
Saturday's game presents an immediate opportunity for both teams to reinforce standing inside the conference. With both squads near the top of the ACC, the outcome will affect positioning in the league race and could serve as a key measuring point as the season moves toward postseason seeding. Fans in Charlottesville should arrive early to take part in the pregame ceremony and be ready for what figures to be one of the better games on the college slate that day.
Recent updates indicate listed details are accurate for the matchup; final game operations and broadcasts are subject to change.
