Virginia sets school record in ACC Tournament quarterfinal win over NC State

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Virginia hit a school record 12 three-pointers for ACC Tournament play in their quarterfinal matchup Thursday against NC State.

It took the ‘Hoos 10 minutes to get acclimated to tournament play, but once they took control of the game, they did not look back. Virginia imposed their defensive presence against the Wolfpack.

Freshman forward Thijs De Ridder said that translated to points on the other end of the floor.

“We’re a defensive mindset team, and we just want the ball and play offense and every time we play good defense, it mostly turns out into good offense,” De Ridder said.

It was the first ACC Tournament game for every ‘Hoo that saw action against NC State. Senior guard Jacari White said that did not impact their performance.

“You know, a big game is a big game, but it’s still just, you know, it’s basketball at the end of the day and so, all we got is us, and we focus on that a lot,” White said.

Virginia’s biggest star Thursday was center Ugonna Onyenso. Onyenso recorded the second-most blocks in an ACC Tournament game ever, sending eight of NC State’s shots back to their senders. Head coach Ryan Odom said Onyenso was the major difference maker against the Wolfpack.

“It’s hard for any coach to say they have favorites, but... I love Ugo,” Odom said. “We all love Ugo. He’s an amazing person. He’s found a home, you know, at the University of Virginia and within our basketball program. Just to see him bloom where he’s been planted has been really special, not only for our coaching staff, but, you know, for our players as well.”

Odom also credited the team’s veteran composure throughout the game.

“We’ve had situations throughout this season where we’ve been behind. We’ve had situations where we’ve had big leads and lost them and it’s all part of the process and I think our guys just come into every huddle ready to listen,” he said.

UVA will move on to the ACC Tournament semifinals Friday against Miami at 7 p.m. The ‘Hoos beat the Hurricanes earlier this season by three on February 21 at John Paul Jones Arena.

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