Virginia Cavaliers Edge Virginia Tech Hokies in Close Matchup
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · John Paul Jones Arena
Virginia Cavaliers 76, Virginia Tech Hokies 72, 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 Tech Hokies vs Virginia Cavaliers?
Virginia Cavaliers beat Virginia Tech Hokies 76-72 at John Paul Jones Arena on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Virginia Tech Hokies vs Virginia Cavaliers?
Virginia Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Virginia Cavaliers defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 76-72 at the John Paul Jones Arena. This game was significant not only due to the rivalry between the two teams but also because it showcased the Cavaliers' strong home performance against a Hokies squad looking to build momentum. The Cavaliers entered the game with a home record of 27-4, while the Hokies had a record of 19-12. Virginia's recent form was impressive, boasting a 9-1 record in their last ten games, with an average of 73.9 points scored and 65.5 points allowed. They had won their last game against Wake Forest 75-70, and their last five games reflected a strong scoring average of 79.2 points, indicating their offensive capabilities.
On the other hand, Virginia Tech had struggled somewhat, with a 4-6 record in their last ten games. They averaged 72.0 points scored and allowed 74.4 points during that stretch. However, they came into this game on a winning note, having defeated Boston College 72-63 in their previous outing. Despite their overall inconsistency, the Hokies showed resilience, particularly in their last five games, where they averaged 74.2 points scored.
Historically, the matchup has been competitive, with Virginia Tech leading the recent head-to-head record 2-1 over the last two seasons. In their previous encounters this season, the Cavaliers lost to the Hokies 85-95 on December 31, 2025, but managed to secure a win earlier in the 2025 season with a score of 73-70. This backdrop added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams aimed to assert their dominance in the rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this critical encounter. The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated that Virginia was favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 145.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Cavaliers' home advantage, as indicated by their money line of -750. The Hokies, on the other hand, had a money line of +525, suggesting they were seen as significant underdogs.
The game conditions were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams eager to secure a win as they approached the postseason. The atmosphere in the John Paul Jones Arena was electric, with fans rallying behind their teams, adding to the intensity of the rivalry.
As the game unfolded, the Cavaliers managed to maintain a slight edge throughout, with key plays in the second half proving crucial. Thijs De Ridder contributed with important free throws, while Jailen Bedford made a significant three-point jumper that kept the Hokies within striking distance. However, Virginia's ability to convert free throws down the stretch, particularly from Devin Tillis, ultimately sealed their victory.
In conclusion, the Virginia Cavaliers' win over the Virginia Tech Hokies was a testament to their strong home performance and resilience in a competitive rivalry. The game highlighted the Cavaliers' scoring prowess and defensive capabilities, while the Hokies demonstrated their determination to compete until the final whistle. This matchup not only impacted the standings but also set the stage for potential future encounters as both teams prepare for the challenges ahead.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVA -11.5 | 145.5 o -110 / u -110 | Virginia Tech Hokies +525 · Virginia Cavaliers -750 |
Leaders
- PointsUgonna Onyenso16Virginia Cavaliers
- AssistsDallin Hall9Virginia Cavaliers
- ReboundsThijs De Ridder8Virginia Cavaliers
- PointsBen Hammond21Virginia Tech Hokies
- AssistsBen Hammond5Virginia Tech Hokies
- ReboundsTobi Lawal7Virginia Tech Hokies
Recent form
Virginia Cavaliers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W173.9 scored · 65.5 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W75-70vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsMar 4
- L51-77at Duke Blue DevilsFeb 28
- W90-61vs NC State WolfpackFeb 25
- W86-83vs Miami HurricanesFeb 21
- 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
Virginia Tech Hokies
Last 10: 4-6Streak W172 scored · 74.4 allowed per game1-4 away
- W72-63vs Boston College EaglesMar 4
- L82-89at North Carolina Tar HeelsMar 1
- W82-63vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsFeb 21
- L66-67at Miami HurricanesFeb 18
- L69-92vs Florida State SeminolesFeb 14
- W76-66at Clemson TigersFeb 12
- L73-82at NC State WolfpackFeb 7
- L58-72vs Duke Blue DevilsJan 31
- W71-65vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 28
- L71-85at Louisville CardinalsJan 24
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 | Virginia Tech Hokies | Virginia Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-62 | 26-58 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 8-32 | 9-25 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 36 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 15-17 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 24 |
| Assists | 16 | 19 |
| Steals | 11 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 32 |
| Fouls | 17 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half40-46Christian Gurdak makes 3-foot dunk (Ben Hammond assists)
- 2nd Half41-46Ben Hammond makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-46Ben Hammond makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-48Jacari White makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-48Ben Hammond makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-51Jacari White makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half46-51Amani Hansberry makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half47-51Tyler Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-51Neoklis Avdalas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-51Neoklis Avdalas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-51Neoklis Avdalas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-53Ugonna Onyenso makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half51-55Sam Lewis makes layup (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half51-57Malik Thomas makes 7-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half51-59Malik Thomas makes layup (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half54-59Tobi Lawal makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ben Hammond assists)
- 2nd Half54-60Ugonna Onyenso makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-61Ugonna Onyenso makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-63Sam Lewis makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half57-63Tyler Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ben Hammond assists)
- 2nd Half59-63Christian Gurdak makes layup (Jaden Schutt assists)
- 2nd Half59-64Ugonna Onyenso makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-65Ugonna Onyenso makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Jailen Bedford makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half61-66Jacari White makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-67Jacari White makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-67Ben Hammond makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-70Ugonna Onyenso makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half63-71Sam Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-72Sam Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-72Ben Hammond makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-72Ben Hammond makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-73Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-74Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-74Ben Hammond makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-74Jailen Bedford makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half69-74Jailen Bedford makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half69-75Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-75Jailen Bedford makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half72-76Devin Tillis makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Virginia Cavaliers, below favours Virginia Tech Hokies.
Venue
- John Paul Jones ArenaCharlottesville, VA
- Attendance14637
- OfficialsTony Henderson, Tommy Morrissey, Chase Shaw
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