Virginia Basketball Snaps Skid, Wins NCAA Opener

0:00On March 20, Virginia basketball grabbed their first NCAA tournament win in 2,538 days, beating 14th seed. Wright State in a tight first-round battle on March 19, 2026. The third seed cavaliers, under new coach Ryan Odom and with 12 newcomers on the roster, snapped a three-game skid to hit 30 wins on the season. The game stayed tense from the start, as Wright State pushed a fast pace and for seven turnovers from Virginia in the first half alone. That led to a five-point half-time deficit for the cavaliers, who had to grind through an upset scare. Players admitted to some early nerves, but settled in after the break, crediting their adjustments and teamwork for turning things around. Coach Odom praised their poise under pressure, especially after avoiding breakdowns on defense down the stretch. In the end, guard Jacari White led with 26 points including six three pointers, while Sam Lewis, Malik Thomas, and Dijas Dayrider all hit. Double figures.

1:00A key 11-to-nothing run sealed it after a technical foul-shifted momentum. Now Virginia eyes a spot in the second weekend, facing 60 Tennessee, next as this rebuilt squad builds real momentum in March madness.