Virginia Cavaliers Edge Ohio State Buckeyes 70-66
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Bridgestone Arena
Virginia Cavaliers 70, Ohio State Buckeyes 66, 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 Virginia Cavaliers vs Ohio State Buckeyes?
Virginia Cavaliers beat Ohio State Buckeyes 70-66 at Bridgestone Arena on February 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Virginia Cavaliers vs Ohio State Buckeyes?
Virginia Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
The Virginia Cavaliers secured a narrow victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes, finishing the game with a score of 70-66 at the Bridgestone Arena. This matchup was notable as Virginia came in with a strong record of 22-3, while Ohio State had a record of 16-9. The game showcased the contrasting recent forms of both teams, with Virginia riding a five-game winning streak, while Ohio State had a mixed record of 6-4 in their last ten games.
In their last ten outings, Ohio State has averaged 77.4 points scored per game while allowing 76.1 points. Their recent form included a win against the USC Trojans on February 11, where they triumphed 89-82, but they suffered a loss to the Michigan Wolverines just prior, 61-82. The Buckeyes have shown resilience at home, with a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, but their overall performance has been inconsistent.
Conversely, Virginia's recent form has been impressive, with a record of 9-1 in their last ten games and an average of 75.8 points scored and 66.5 points allowed. They have been particularly strong on the road, boasting a perfect 5-0 record in away games during this stretch. Their last game before facing Ohio State was a hard-fought 61-58 win against the Florida State Seminoles.
The matchup also featured intriguing betting odds from DraftKings, which had Virginia favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 146.5. The moneyline reflected Virginia at -245 and Ohio State at +200, indicating a strong belief in Virginia's ability to secure the win.
In terms of conditions, the game was played at a neutral site, which can often level the playing field in college basketball. This was a significant factor for both teams, as they had to adapt to the environment of the Bridgestone Arena.
Key moments in the game included crucial scoring plays in the second half. Dallin Hall played a pivotal role for Virginia, making a layup and converting free throws that helped extend their lead. Amare Bynum's three-point jumper was another highlight, cutting Ohio State's deficit as the game progressed. Ohio State's Christoph Tilly responded with a layup to keep the game competitive, but Virginia maintained their composure down the stretch.
As the game concluded, Ohio State was unable to close the gap, finishing with a final score of 66. The Cavaliers' ability to execute in critical moments secured their victory, demonstrating their strength as they continue their successful season. This game not only highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball but also underscored the importance of clutch performances in tight contests.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVA -5.5 | 146.5 o -110 / u -110 | Virginia Cavaliers -245 · Ohio State Buckeyes +200 |
Leaders
- PointsBruce Thornton28Ohio State Buckeyes
- AssistsBruce Thornton3Ohio State Buckeyes
- ReboundsAmare Bynum6Ohio State Buckeyes
- PointsMalik Thomas13Virginia Cavaliers
- AssistsMalik Thomas2Virginia Cavaliers
- ReboundsUgonna Onyenso10Virginia Cavaliers
Recent form
Ohio State Buckeyes
Last 10: 6-4Streak W177.4 scored · 76.1 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W89-82vs USC TrojansFeb 11
- L61-82vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 8
- W82-62at Maryland TerrapinsFeb 6
- L82-92at Wisconsin BadgersJan 31
- W84-78vs Penn State Nittany LionsJan 27
- L62-74at Michigan WolverinesJan 24
- W82-74vs Minnesota Golden GophersJan 20
- W86-74vs UCLA BruinsJan 17
- L74-81at Washington HuskiesJan 11
- W72-62at Oregon DucksJan 9
Virginia Cavaliers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W575.8 scored · 66.5 allowed per game5-0 away
- 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
- W70-55vs Stanford CardinalJan 10
- W84-60vs California Golden BearsJan 8
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 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Virginia Cavaliers | Ohio State Buckeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-50 | 27-60 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 6-18 | 6-14 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 43 |
| Free throws | 22-32 | 6-9 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 20 |
| Assists | 9 | 9 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 36 |
| Fouls | 12 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 29 | 59 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half36-31Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half36-33Devin Royal makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 1st Half36-35Amare Bynum makes 8-foot dunk (Devin Royal assists)
- 1st Half36-37Bruce Thornton makes 11-foot jumper
- 1st Half37-37Ugonna Onyenso makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-39Bruce Thornton makes layup
- 2nd Half37-41Bruce Thornton makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half38-41Sam Lewis makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half39-41Sam Lewis makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half42-41Sam Lewis makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half42-43Bruce Thornton makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half42-45Amare Bynum makes layup
- 2nd Half43-45Sam Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-45Sam Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-47Ivan Njegovan makes layup (Bruce Thornton assists)
- 2nd Half44-49Bruce Thornton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-50Bruce Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-50Dallin Hall makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-52Bruce Thornton makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-52Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-52Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Christoph Tilly makes 5-foot jumper (Gabe Cupps assists)
- 2nd Half51-54Malik Thomas makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-57Bruce Thornton makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-57Johann Grunloh makes 6-foot dunk (Thijs De Ridder assists)
- 2nd Half53-59Bruce Thornton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-59Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-59Malik Thomas makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jacari White assists)
- 2nd Half59-59Chance Mallory makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half61-59Ugonna Onyenso makes layup (Devin Tillis assists)
- 2nd Half61-61Bruce Thornton makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half63-61Chance Mallory makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half65-61Dallin Hall makes layup
- 2nd Half66-61Dallin Hall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64Amare Bynum makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half67-64Sam Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-64Sam Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-64Sam Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-66Christoph Tilly makes layup (Gabe Cupps assists)
- 2nd Half70-66Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Ohio State Buckeyes, below favours Virginia Cavaliers.
Venue
- Bridgestone ArenaNashville, TN
- Attendance6438
- OfficialsSteve McJunkins, Michael Kitts, Tommy Johnson
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