Virginia Basketball Shows Resilience in Gut-Wrenching Triple-OT Loss to Rival Hokies

The University of Virginia men’s basketball team suffered its first ACC loss Wednesday night. It happened on the road against in-state rival Virginia Tech. The final score was 99-89 after three exhausting overtime periods. The game took place at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg.Despite the loss, the Cavaliers demonstrated significant fight. They erased a seven-point deficit late in the second overtime to force a third extra period. According to ESPN’s game recap, the contest was a defining early conference battle for both teams.

Key Factors in the Cavaliers’ Narrow Defeat

Virginia’s normally reliable three-point shooting deserted them. The team entered the game shooting 39% from beyond the arc. They made only 10 of 45 attempts from deep in this contest, a steep 22% clip.The absence of sharpshooter Jacari White, out with a wrist injury, was felt. Starter Sam Lewis, coming off the bench, went 0-5 from the field. Scoring outside of Malik Thomas and Thijs De Ridder was limited.Offensive rebounding was a critical issue. Virginia Tech secured 22 second-chance points. Hokies forwards Christian Gurdak and Amani Hansberry combined for 15 offensive rebounds themselves.

Silver Linings and Lingering Questions for Virginia

The team’s grit was the major positive. Coach Ryan Odom can build on the never-say-die attitude shown in overtime. This resilience will be vital for the long ACC schedule ahead.Player rotation decisions will be analyzed. Guard Malik Thomas scored 26 points but saw limited action in the overtime periods. His offensive spark was missed during key stretches of the extra sessions.The Cavaliers must regroup quickly. They face another tough conference opponent this weekend. Improving rebounding and rediscovering consistent shooting are immediate priorities.

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This triple-overtime battle proves Virginia basketball has the heart for ACC competition. The Cavaliers must now turn this gritty performance into a winning formula.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What was the final score of the Virginia vs. Virginia Tech game?

Virginia Tech defeated the University of Virginia 99-89. The game required three overtime periods to decide a winner.

Why did Virginia struggle offensively in this game?

The team shot poorly from three-point range, making only 10 of 45 attempts. Scoring was also limited outside of two key players, Malik Thomas and Thijs De Ridder.

Who was a key player missing for Virginia?

Guard Jacari White did not play due to a fractured wrist. He is one of the team’s top outside shooters.

How did rebounding affect the game’s outcome?

Virginia Tech dominated offensive rebounding, leading to 22 second-chance points. This was a decisive factor in a close game.

What positive can Virginia take from the loss?

The team showed tremendous grit by forcing a third overtime after trailing late. This resilience is a strong foundation for future games.

Trusted Sources: ESPN, CBS Sports, The Athletic.