NASHVILLE, Tenn. – No. 15 Virginia survived a tightly contested battle against Ohio State Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena, emerging with a 70-66 victory in the Nashville Hoops Showdown. The Cavaliers (22-3) extended their winning streak to six games, showcasing resilience in a game that saw multiple lead changes and a determined effort from the Buckeyes.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip, ultimately ending in a tie at 37 points apiece at halftime. Ohio State initially established a lead, but Virginia responded effectively, erasing the deficit and setting the stage for a tense second half. The Cavaliers’ ability to adjust and maintain composure proved crucial in securing the win.
Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton led all scorers with an impressive 28 points, also reaching a significant milestone with his 500th career assist. Despite Thornton’s stellar performance, the Buckeyes (16-9) couldn’t overcome Virginia’s balanced attack and late-game execution. Amare Bynum contributed 15 points and six rebounds for Ohio State, providing valuable support in their nonconference matchup.
For Virginia, Malik Thomas and Sam Lewis spearheaded the offensive effort, each contributing 13 points. Their scoring proved pivotal, particularly down the stretch when the Cavaliers needed key baskets to maintain their advantage. Lewis’s late-game heroics were particularly impactful, forcing a crucial turnover and converting it into a layup to give Virginia a 65-61 lead with just over a minute remaining.
The final minute of the game was a nail-biter. After Lewis’s layup, he sealed the victory with a pair of clutch free throws with 11 seconds left on the clock, pushing the Virginia lead beyond Ohio State’s reach. The Cavaliers demonstrated poise under pressure, executing effectively on both ends of the court to close out the game.
Ohio State faced a significant setback prior to the game with the announcement that John Mobley Jr. Would be sidelined indefinitely due to a hand injury sustained in Wednesday’s game against USC. Mobley, who had started all 24 of the Buckeyes’ previous games and averaged 15.1 points, represents a considerable loss for the team. His absence undoubtedly impacted Ohio State’s offensive flow and overall performance.
Virginia’s success on the road continues to be a defining characteristic of their season. The Cavaliers boast a 10-2 record away from home, including a 3-1 mark in neutral-site games. This ability to perform consistently regardless of location underscores their depth and adaptability.
The Cavaliers’ victory over Ohio State is a testament to their well-rounded team and their ability to overcome adversity. While Thornton’s performance for Ohio State was noteworthy, Virginia’s collective effort and late-game execution ultimately proved to be the difference. The win solidifies Virginia’s position as a strong contender in the college basketball landscape.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will return home to host Wisconsin on Tuesday night. The Buckeyes will need to regroup and find ways to compensate for the loss of Mobley as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. Virginia, meanwhile, will travel to Georgia Tech on Wednesday night, aiming to continue their winning streak and build momentum as the season progresses.
The Nashville Hoops Showdown provided a compelling matchup between two talented teams, and Virginia’s narrow escape serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball. The Cavaliers’ ability to secure a hard-fought victory demonstrates their resilience and positions them favorably as they continue their pursuit of postseason success.
