Virginia's trip to Moody Coliseum in Dallas was a successful one, as the Cavaliers secured a 72-68 victory over Southern Methodist. The win was fueled by a dominant performance from Malik Thomas, who tallied 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead Virginia to its 17th win of the season. Thomas' double-double was the difference-maker in a tightly contested game that saw both teams trade baskets throughout.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Virginia taking a 40-37 lead into the break. SMU's Jaron Pierre Jr. was a major factor in the Mustangs' early success, scoring 16 points to keep his team within striking distance. However, Thomas and the Cavaliers' supporting cast, including Thijs De Ridder and Devin Tillis, who chipped in with 17 and 11 points, respectively, helped Virginia maintain its advantage.
In the second half, SMU made a push to take the lead, but Virginia's defense held strong, limiting the Mustangs to just 31 points. B.J. Edwards and Boopie Miller tried to spark a rally for SMU, combining for 25 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Cavaliers' balanced attack. Virginia's ability to control the tempo and limit SMU's scoring opportunities ultimately was the deciding factor.
The victory is a significant one for Virginia, as it adds another quality win to the Cavaliers' resume. With a NET ranking of 14, Virginia is firmly in the mix for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. This win, which falls under the Quadrant 1 category, will only strengthen the Cavaliers' case. For SMU, the loss is a missed opportunity to bolster its tournament credentials, but the Mustangs' NET ranking of 33 still leaves them in the conversation.
As the season enters its critical stretch, Virginia's performance on the road against a strong SMU team will be a valuable asset in the eyes of the selection committee. The Cavaliers' ability to win away from home against a top-40 opponent is a reflection of their toughness and resilience. With this win, Virginia takes another step towards securing a prominent spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The implications of this result are clear: Virginia has cemented its status as a legitimate contender, while SMU must regroup and refocus in order to make a push for the tournament. As the Cavaliers continue to navigate their schedule, they can take confidence from this hard-fought victory, knowing that they have the talent and depth to compete with anyone in the country.