Virginia gutted out a 72-68 win over SMU as Malik Thomas led with 23 points and a career-best 11 rebounds, while Thijs De Ridder added 17 points and delivered seven of UVA’s eight points in the final 2 ½ minutes.

Virginia improves to 16-2 overall and 5-1 in the ACC, extending its win streak to five; SMU drops to 13-5 and 2-3 in the ACC, snapping a 12-game road win streak at Moody Coliseum this season.

The Cavaliers showed a well-rounded identity with depth across positions, contributing to a top-15 offense and top-20 defense in adjusted metrics.

KenPom now ranks Virginia No. 14, reflecting a substantial efficiency upgrade from the season start.

Head coach Ryan Odom credits team fit, character, togetherness, and shared credit as core factors behind UVA’s current success.

De Ridder leads the scoring, with Grunloh and Onyenso anchoring blocks and Hall directing the offense, as Virginia sits high in rebounds and defensive metrics, including top ACC marks in defensive efficiency and 3-point defense.

Virginia’s NET breakdown shows Quad 1: 3-1, Quad 2: 4-1, Quad 3: 1-0, Quad 4: 7-0, signaling solid performance against varied-quality opponents.

Virginia’s blend of size, shooting, defense, and depth, under Odom’s leadership, signals a return to form and makes them a formidable ACC and national foe.

Virginia’s offense sits at No. 14 and defense at No. 17 nationally, underpinning a potential deep NCAA Tournament run.

Road wins over Texas, NC State, Louisville, and SMU bolster UVA’s profile as ACC contenders.

The program is framed as the ACC’s strongest contender outside Duke, with potential for a high NCAA seed and a serious Final Four bid when healthy.

Virginia’s six-pillar philosophy—humility, passion, unity, servanthood, thankfulness, accountability—drives a fast-paced, ball-sharing style and strong defensive tempo.