CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Ugonna Onyenso scored 17 points on 8-for-9 shooting, Thijs De Ridder and Sam Lewis each added 16 points, and No. 10 Virginia defeated Miami 84-62 on Friday to advance to the ACC Tournament championship game for the first time since 2023.Malik Thomas scored nine of his 15 points in the second half, helping the Cavaliers improve to 29-4 under first-year coach Ryan Odom.
Miami’s Tru Washington scored 13 points, and Shelton Henderson added 12 as the team shot 39% from the field and was outrebounded 35-24.Virginia broke open a tightly contested defensive game with a 13-2 run during the final 2:47 of the first half, taking a 38-23 lead at the intermission. Chance Mallory finished the run with a sprinting 3-pointer that beat the buzzer after a Miami mistake.
The hurricanes never recovered.
The gap ballooned to 18 points six minutes into the second half, as Miami struggled to find open lanes to attack the basket against the bigger Cavaliers. Miami struggled from deep, missing 10 of its first 11 shots from beyond the 3-point line.Miami staged a comeback, narrowing the score to 53-42 after Noam Dovrat made two three-pointers and Henderson scored following a missed fastbreak shot.
But Thomas took over and scored eight of Virginia’s next ten points, bringing the lead back to 18 with eight minutes remaining.Virginia’s lead increased to 26 points late in the second half.Miami is awaiting their NCAA Tournament seed.Virginia will meet the winner of Clemson vs. No. 1 Duke on Saturday.
Virginia Advances With Impressive Victory Over Miami
No. 10 Virginia delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, defeating Miami 84-62 in the ACC Tournament semifinals to secure a place in the championship game. The Cavaliers controlled the contest from start to finish, showcasing outstanding defense, efficient shooting, and strong teamwork on both ends of the court.
With the victory, Virginia moved one step closer to capturing the ACC Tournament title and strengthened its position heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers entered the matchup with confidence and quickly demonstrated why they are considered one of the conference’s top teams.
Fast Start Gives Virginia Early Control
Virginia wasted no time establishing momentum. The Cavaliers pushed the pace offensively while maintaining their trademark defensive intensity. Early baskets helped Virginia build an advantage, forcing Miami to play from behind for most of the game.
The Cavaliers moved the ball effectively, creating open shots and taking advantage of defensive breakdowns. Their ability to score from both inside and outside made it difficult for Miami to find an answer.
Miami attempted to respond with aggressive offensive possessions, but Virginia’s disciplined defense consistently disrupted the Hurricanes’ rhythm. Forced turnovers and contested shots prevented Miami from mounting a serious comeback during the first half.
By halftime, Virginia had built a comfortable lead and appeared firmly in control of the semifinal showdown.
Balanced Offense Powers the Cavaliers
One of the biggest reasons for Virginia’s success was its balanced offensive attack. Multiple players contributed on the scoreboard, making it difficult for Miami to focus on stopping any single scorer.
The Cavaliers shot efficiently throughout the game and consistently found quality opportunities. Their unselfish play resulted in numerous assists and high-percentage shots. Whether attacking the basket or knocking down perimeter jumpers, Virginia maintained offensive pressure from the opening tip until the final buzzer.
The team’s ability to execute in transition also created additional scoring opportunities. Fast-break points and second-chance baskets further widened the gap between the two teams.
Virginia’s offensive efficiency highlighted the confidence and chemistry the team has developed throughout the season.
Defense Once Again Leads the Way
Virginia has long been known for its defensive identity, and that reputation was on full display against Miami. The Cavaliers limited open looks, protected the paint, and forced Miami into difficult offensive situations.
Miami struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities against Virginia’s disciplined defensive system. The Hurricanes were unable to establish momentum and frequently found themselves taking contested shots late in the shot clock.
Rebounding also played a major role in the outcome. Virginia controlled the boards and limited second-chance opportunities, ensuring that Miami had few chances to cut into the deficit.
The defensive effort reflected the preparation and focus that have become hallmarks of Virginia basketball under pressure.
Championship Game Awaits
The convincing win sends Virginia to the ACC Tournament championship game with significant momentum. The Cavaliers now have an opportunity to add another conference title to their program’s history and further boost their NCAA Tournament résumé.
Coaches and players emphasized the importance of maintaining focus despite the dominant victory. While advancing to the championship is a major accomplishment, the team understands that one more challenge remains before lifting the trophy.
Fans will be eager to see whether Virginia can carry this level of performance into the title game and complete its impressive ACC Tournament run.
Conclusion
No. 10 Virginia’s 84-62 victory over Miami was a statement performance. The Cavaliers combined efficient offense, elite defense, and outstanding teamwork to earn a convincing semifinal win and secure a place in the ACC Tournament championship game.
With confidence growing and momentum on their side, Virginia now turns its attention to the conference final, where the Cavaliers will look to finish their tournament journey with a championship trophy.
Sarah Williams is a sports news reporter covering all major American sports including NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. With 4 years of experience in sports journalism, Sarah specializes in breaking news, trending stories, and exclusive sports updates. Her fast-paced reporting style keeps sports fans informed and engaged. Sarah is a core member of the USA News Point editorial team.
