Five Favorite Moments From Virginia’s 2025

The Virginia Cavaliers undoubtedly had one of the most shocking runs to the NCAA Tournament in men's college basketball this year. They faced an early exit after losing to the Tennessee Volunteers, but that doesn't undermine the work they put into their 2025-26 campaign.

As the Hoos now work their way through the offseason, now is the time to reflect on their latest season to determine any glaring weaknesses, but also to identify moments of success. With that, let's take a look at Virginia's fan-favorite moments from this past season.

1. Tight Victory Over Notre Dame

Virginia Cavaliers Devin Tillis pointing to the side — Virginia Cavaliers forward Devin Tillis | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Not only was this a victorious night, but the Cavaliers clinched the win in a thrilling double overtime battle. Ultimately, the score reached 100-97 with UVA on top after Thijs De Ridder posted a jaw-dropping 32 points, along with Sam Lewis' nine rebounds and six assists.

2. UVA's First Round Matchup vs Wright State

Virginia Cavaliers Jacari White celebrating during a game.\ — Virginia Cavaliers guard Jacari White | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

In Virginia's First Round matchup of the NCAA Tournament, they faced the Wright State Raiders and walked away with an 82-73 victory. This time, Jacari White paved the way for the Cavaliers with 26 points, while Johann Grünloh followed suit with seven rebounds and Dallin Hall with three assists.

Once halftime rolled around, the Raiders were up 43-38, but Virginia bounced back in the second after pulling ahead. This pushed UVA into the Second Round of the tourney, where they faced a loss to the Tennessee Volunteers.

3. Virginia's Hard-Fought Battle Against The Duke Blue Devils In ACC Championship

Virginia Cavaliers Sam Lewis passing a basketball while being guarded by Duke Blue Devils Cameron Boozer — Virginia Cavaliers guard Sam Lewis and Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Although the ACC Championship resulted in a loss for the Hoos, it can't be denied that they played a grueling game against the Blue Devils. Leading up to the game, Virginia knocked down the Miami Hurricanes 84-62, but once the championship title game rolled around, Duke sent UVA home defeated by a score of 74-70. The loss was heartbreaking, of course, but reaching such a point in the season should be a proud moment for the Cavaliers.

4. De Ridders' Breakout Performance

Virginia Cavaliers Thijs De Ridder celebrating during a game — Virginia Cavaliers forward Thijs De Ridder | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

By the time UVA's Dec. 22 matchup against the American University Eagles, it was starting to become clearer how dominant De Ridder is as a player. Before the game, he had already logged 26-point and 21-point games, but when he faced American, it became more apparent that he is not a player to back down. That night, he posted 27 points and eight rebounds, shooting 73.3% from the floor. At this moment, he quickly became a fan-favorite for UVA.

5. Defeating The Hurricanes Twice

Virginia Cavalier Sam Lewis looking off to his side — Virginia Cavaliers guard Sam Lewis | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

As mentioned, the Hoos eliminated Miami from ACC contention on March 13. This time, Ugonna Onyenso led the way for both programs with a game-high of 17 points, while De Ridder posted six rebounds and Chance Mallory logged six assists. Entering the matchup, it wasn't entirely clear who would clinch the victory, but watching Virginia land itself in the title game was a special moment for the Hoos after putting in substantial effort throughout the year.