Virginia Cavaliers Secure Hard-Fought 72-68 Victory Over SMU in ACC Showdown
The No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers demonstrated resilience and composure on Saturday, clinching a narrow 72-68 win against the SMU Mustangs in an Atlantic Coast Conference game. This victory extends Virginia's winning streak to five consecutive games, solidifying their strong position in the ACC standings.
Key Performers Lead the Charge for Virginia
Malik Thomas emerged as the standout player for the Cavaliers, delivering a game-high 23 points. He also grabbed a career-best 11 rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact on the court. Thijs De Ridder provided crucial support, adding 17 points, including seven of Virginia's eight points in the final two and a half minutes of the game.
De Ridder's performance was particularly pivotal in the closing moments. With just 1:07 remaining on the clock, he sank two free throws to give Virginia a 70-68 lead. Later, after a missed three-pointer by teammate Dallin Hall, De Ridder secured the rebound and drew a foul. He calmly made two more foul shots, pushing the Cavaliers ahead 72-68 and effectively sealing the win.
SMU's Efforts Fall Short Despite Strong Start
The SMU Mustangs started the game with confidence, building a lead of as many as seven points during the opening 13 minutes. However, Virginia responded with a dominant 13-2 run over nearly four minutes, taking a 35-28 advantage. SMU struggled during this stretch, shooting just 1 for 10 and committing two turnovers. The Cavaliers maintained their lead, entering halftime with a 35-28 score.
Jarin Pierre Jr. led the Mustangs with 16 points, while B.J. Edwards contributed 13 points. Boopie Miller, SMU's leading scorer averaging 20.8 points per game, had a challenging night, scoring a season-low 12 points. Miller missed a critical right-corner three-pointer in the closing seconds, and De Ridder grabbed the rebound to secure Virginia's victory.
Statistical Highlights and Team Trends
Malik Thomas matched a season high by hitting six three-pointers, highlighting his sharpshooting ability. Virginia, known for its high-volume three-point attempts, shot 12 of 31 from beyond the arc this game. The team averages a program-high 28.3 three-point attempts per game this season.
In contrast, Virginia shot a season-low 12 free throws, making 10 of them. This efficiency from the line proved crucial in a tight contest. SMU, now 13-5 overall and 2-3 in the ACC, suffered its first loss in 12 games at Moody Coliseum this season, ending a notable home streak.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
The Virginia Cavaliers, now 16-2 overall and 5-1 in the ACC, will face another tough test next Saturday. They are set to host No. 14 North Carolina in what promises to be a highly anticipated ACC matchup. Meanwhile, the SMU Mustangs will look to bounce back quickly, as they visit Wake Forest on Tuesday for their next conference game.
This win reinforces Virginia's status as a formidable contender in the ACC, while SMU will aim to regroup and build on their strong season start despite this setback.
