Virginia Cavaliers Edge Miami Hurricanes in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · John Paul Jones Arena
Virginia Cavaliers 86, Miami Hurricanes 83, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Miami Hurricanes vs Virginia Cavaliers?
Virginia Cavaliers beat Miami Hurricanes 86-83 at John Paul Jones Arena on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Miami Hurricanes vs Virginia Cavaliers?
Virginia Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -360 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Virginia Cavaliers narrowly defeated the Miami Hurricanes with a final score of 86-83 at John Paul Jones Arena. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Virginia continuing its strong performance at home and Miami demonstrating resilience on the road.
The Cavaliers entered the game with a home record of 24-3 and had been on an impressive seven-game winning streak, averaging 76.8 points per game while allowing 68.4. Their recent form was highlighted by a decisive 94-68 victory over Georgia Tech just two days prior, and they had only lost once in their last ten games, with a record of 9-1 in that stretch. Virginia's home record stood at 2-1 in their last three home games, indicating their ability to perform well in familiar surroundings.
On the other side, the Miami Hurricanes, boasting a record of 21-6, were also in good form, winning four consecutive games leading up to this matchup. They averaged 74.5 points per game while allowing 71.1, showcasing a slightly more balanced scoring output compared to Virginia. Miami's recent victories included a narrow 67-66 win against Virginia Tech, indicating their capability to win close contests.
Historically, Virginia had the upper hand in their previous meeting earlier in the season, winning 82-71 against Miami on January 30, 2025. This prior success likely contributed to their confidence going into this game, especially playing at home.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences that would have impacted the game, allowing both teams to field their best lineups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Virginia favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 145.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in Virginia's home advantage, but the close final score indicated that Miami put up a strong fight, exceeding expectations against the spread.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-energy contest, with both teams displaying aggressive offensive strategies. As the game progressed, key moments included a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Notably, Tru Washington's driving layup brought Miami within one point at 79-78, but Virginia responded with a layup from Dallin Hall to regain the lead at 80-79. Jacari White then extended Virginia's lead with a step-back three-pointer, making it 83-79.
Miami's Ernest Udeh Jr. answered with a tip-in layup, and Malik Reneau tied the game at 83-83 with a driving layup. However, Virginia's Chance Mallory sealed the game at the free-throw line, making three consecutive free throws to secure the win at 86-83.
Overall, this game highlighted the intensity of NCAAB competition, with both teams showcasing their strengths and determination. Virginia's ability to close out the game under pressure while maintaining their home dominance will be a key takeaway as they look to build on this momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVA -7.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | Miami Hurricanes +285 · Virginia Cavaliers -360 |
Leaders
- PointsJacari White17Virginia Cavaliers
- AssistsChance Mallory6Virginia Cavaliers
- ReboundsChance Mallory6Virginia Cavaliers
- PointsShelton Henderson18Miami Hurricanes
- AssistsTre Donaldson7Miami Hurricanes
- ReboundsErnest Udeh Jr.9Miami Hurricanes
Recent form
Virginia Cavaliers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W776.8 scored · 68.4 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W94-68at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 19
- W70-66at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 15
- W61-58at Florida State SeminolesFeb 11
- W72-59vs Syracuse OrangeFeb 7
- W67-47vs Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 4
- W73-66at Boston College EaglesJan 31
- W100-97at Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 28
- L80-85vs North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 24
- W72-68at SMU MustangsJan 17
- W79-70at Louisville CardinalsJan 14
Miami Hurricanes
Last 10: 7-3Streak W474.5 scored · 71.1 allowed per game4-1 away
- W67-66vs Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 18
- W77-76at NC State WolfpackFeb 14
- W75-66vs North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 11
- W74-68at Boston College EaglesFeb 7
- L85-86vs California Golden BearsJan 31
- W79-70vs Stanford CardinalJan 29
- W85-76at Syracuse OrangeJan 24
- L63-65vs Florida State SeminolesJan 21
- L59-69at Clemson TigersJan 17
- W81-69at Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Miami Hurricanes | Virginia Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-61 | 29-50 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 9-18 | 12-24 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 50 |
| Free throws | 16-17 | 16-18 |
| Free throw % | 94 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 19 |
| Assists | 16 | 18 |
| Steals | 9 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 30 |
| Fouls | 15 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 35 | 47 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-54Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-55Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-55Shelton Henderson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-55Shelton Henderson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-56Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-57Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-57Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-57Tre Donaldson makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half59-59Thijs De Ridder makes 15-foot jumper (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half59-61Thijs De Ridder makes 10-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half59-62Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-63Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-66Malik Thomas makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half61-68Chance Mallory makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-68Tre Donaldson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dante Allen assists)
- 2nd Half65-68Shelton Henderson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Shelton Henderson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-70Ugonna Onyenso makes layup (Jacari White assists)
- 2nd Half68-70Shelton Henderson makes driving layup (Malik Reneau assists)
- 2nd Half69-70Shelton Henderson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-70Malik Reneau makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-70Malik Reneau makes 2-foot dunk (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 2nd Half73-72Thijs De Ridder makes driving layup (Jacari White assists)
- 2nd Half73-73Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half75-73Shelton Henderson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-76Jacari White makes 23-foot three point jumper (Malik Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half76-76Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-76Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-78Johann Grunloh makes 2-foot dunk (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half79-78Tru Washington makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-80Dallin Hall makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-83Jacari White makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half81-83Ernest Udeh Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half83-83Malik Reneau makes driving layup (Shelton Henderson assists)
- 2nd Half83-84Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half83-85Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half83-86Chance Mallory makes free throw 3 of 3
Win probability
Above the line favours Virginia Cavaliers, below favours Miami Hurricanes.
Venue
- John Paul Jones ArenaCharlottesville, VA
- Attendance14637
- OfficialsSean Hull, Earl Walton, Bill Covington Jr.
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond