NCAAB · Final

Virginia Cavaliers Edge SMU Mustangs in Close Contest

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Moody Coliseum (Dallas)

Virginia Cavaliers 72, SMU Mustangs 68, 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 SMU Mustangs?

Virginia Cavaliers beat SMU Mustangs 72-68 at Moody Coliseum (Dallas) on January 17, 2026.

Who was favored in Virginia Cavaliers vs SMU Mustangs?

Virginia Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Virginia Cavaliers secured a narrow victory over the SMU Mustangs, finishing with a final score of 72-68. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Virginia extending their impressive away record to 10-2 while SMU's home record remains strong at 13-6. The game took place at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, where the atmosphere was electric as fans witnessed a thrilling encounter.

Virginia entered the game riding a four-game winning streak, having won nine of their last ten contests. The Cavaliers averaged 82.7 points per game in their last ten outings while allowing just 66.6 points, showcasing their ability to both score and defend effectively. Their recent form included a convincing 79-70 win against the Louisville Cardinals just three days prior. In contrast, SMU's recent performance was mixed, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games. They averaged 85.4 points scored while allowing 79.8 points, indicating a more offense-heavy approach but also vulnerabilities on defense. Their most recent game was a close 77-76 win against Virginia Tech, which added to their confidence heading into this matchup.

Historically, Virginia has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with SMU, winning both of their last two encounters. The most recent match prior to this game was on January 16, 2025, where Virginia won 54-52. The previous meeting before that took place on December 7, 2024, with Virginia again coming out on top, winning 63-51. This trend added an extra layer of pressure on SMU to break the cycle and secure a win on their home court.

In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to be in good health, which contributed to the high level of play seen throughout the game. The absence of key players can often sway the outcome of such close contests, but both squads fielded their best available lineups.

Betting lines from DraftKings indicated Virginia as the favorites with a spread of 2.5 points. The total points line was set at 153.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring game based on both teams’ offensive capabilities. The moneyline showed Virginia at -142, while SMU was listed at +120, suggesting that the market favored the Cavaliers to win.

The game conditions were conducive to a competitive matchup, with both teams displaying their strengths. SMU's home advantage was evident in their aggressive style of play, but Virginia's disciplined approach and solid defense ultimately proved decisive. Viewers were treated to a series of exciting scoring plays, particularly in the second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times.

Key moments included a crucial three-point jumper by Thijs De Ridder that put Virginia ahead late in the game, alongside several free throws that helped secure their lead as the clock wound down. SMU fought hard to stay in contention, with Boopie Miller's turnaround jump shot tying the game briefly before Virginia pulled ahead for good.

As the game concluded, the Cavaliers celebrated their victory, further establishing themselves as a formidable force in the league. The Mustangs, while disappointed, showed resilience and potential, indicating that they could bounce back in future games. This matchup not only highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball but also set the stage for what fans can expect as the season progresses.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	UVA -2.5	153.5 o -110 / u -110	Virginia Cavaliers -142 · SMU Mustangs +120

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsJaron Pierre Jr.16SMU Mustangs
AssistsB.J. Edwards5SMU Mustangs
ReboundsB.J. Edwards6SMU Mustangs
PointsMalik Thomas23Virginia Cavaliers
AssistsDallin Hall9Virginia Cavaliers
ReboundsMalik Thomas11Virginia Cavaliers

Recent form

SMU Mustangs

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