No. 16 Cavaliers Face Road Challenge Against SMU
No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers (15-2, 4-1 ACC) are preparing for a challenging match against SMU Mustangs (13-4, 2-2 ACC) on Saturday, January 17. This Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) showdown will take place at Moody Coliseum at noon ET. Fans can watch the game on ESPN2 and listen via the Virginia Sports Radio Network.
Cavaliers’ Current Form
The Cavaliers are riding a four-game winning streak and have a strong record of 5-2 on the road, including a 3-1 mark in true road games. Virginia’s offense has been prolific, scoring 80 or more points in 13 games this season. This achievement ties the program’s highest output since the 2001-02 season.
Key Offensive Statistics
- Average points per game: 84.7 (third-best in school history)
- Ranked 14th in both KenPom and NET rankings
Broadcast Information
The game will be accessible through various platforms, including ESPN2 for television viewers and streaming options on ESPN.com. Live statistics can be tracked on VirginiaSports.com and the Virginia Sports app.
Head Coach Ryan Odom
Ryan Odom has been at the helm of Virginia basketball since March 22. He has an impressive coaching record of 224-127 over 12 seasons, including stints at VCU, Utah State, and UMBC. Odom led his teams to the NCAA Tournament in their second seasons, including a historic upset while coaching UMBC against Virginia in 2018.
Series History
Virginia’s matchup against SMU marks another chapter in their competitive series that began in 2013. Currently, the Cavaliers hold a 1-2 record against the Mustangs. Last season, SMU notably swept the series, winning both encounters by narrow margins.
Last Encounter
The most recent clash occurred on January 15, 2025, where SMU claimed a dramatic 54-52 victory. In that game, Boopie Miller scored the decisive 3-pointer. Virginia had a 12-0 run but fell short as SMU hit three consecutive 3-pointers.
Recent Performance
In their last outing, the Cavaliers secured a notable 79-70 win over No. 20 Louisville on January 13. Malik Thomas was a standout performer, scoring 19 points, and Johann Grünloh contributed significantly with 16 points and seven rebounds.
Virginia’s Roster Insights
The current roster features 12 newcomers, enhancing team dynamics. Thijs De Ridder leads the scoring with an average of 16 points per game. Other notable contributors include Malik Thomas and Dallin Hall, showcasing a balanced offensive threat.
Team Statistics
- Average points scored: 84.7
- Average points allowed: 67
- Leading rebounder: Johann Grünloh (6.8 rpg)
Leadership in the ACC
Virginia ranks high across multiple statistical categories within the ACC, including first in rebounds and field goal percentage defense. Noteworthy individual performers include De Ridder and Hall, both of whom rank among the top players in various metrics.
Upcoming Matches
The Cavaliers will host No. 14 North Carolina on January 24. The anticipated game will start at 2 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN and the Virginia Sports Radio Network.
