UVA Basketball Dominates NC Central Behind De Ridder's 20-Point Performance

UVA Basketball Shines in 81-62 Victory Over NC Central

The Virginia Cavaliers continued their strong start to the Ryan Odom era with a commanding 81-62 victory over North Carolina Central on Friday night. The win propels UVA to a 2-0 record on the season, showcasing the team's growing chemistry and defensive prowess.

Game Recap: A Dominant Display

The Cavaliers established early control, opening the game with a decisive 15-2 run. This aggressive start set the tone for the entire contest, as UVA consistently stretched their lead throughout the night. At halftime, the Hoos held a comfortable 42-25 advantage, fueled by a 52% shooting percentage from the field and a dominant 17-7 rebounding edge.

In the second half, Virginia continued to build upon their lead, with Thijs De Ridder leading a potent offensive charge. The Belgian forward scored 20 points overall, going a perfect 3-3 from the field in the second half alone. The team's ball movement and three-point shooting (46% from the field) proved too much for the Eagles to handle.

Defensive Steel

Virginia's defensive intensity was a key factor in the victory. The Cavaliers held NC Central to just 25 points in the first half and forced the Eagles into difficult shot attempts throughout the game. This defensive prowess was evident on the glass, where UVA outrebounded NC Central 41-27, including 22 offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points.

Key Performances

While Thijs De Ridder stole the show with 20 points, several other Cavaliers made significant contributions:

• Malik Thomas led the team in first-half scoring with 10 points.
• Jacari White provided an early spark off the bench with six points in the opening minutes.
• The starting lineup of Dallin Hall, Malik Thomas, Sam Lewis, Thijs De Ridder, and Johann Grünloh maintained consistent pressure throughout.

NC Central's Standout Players

Despite the lopsided score, North Carolina Central had two players who attempted to keep their team in the game. Guard Gage Lattimore scored 20 points, including a 10-point run in the first half. Senior forward Khouri Carvey added 19 points and eight rebounds, accounting for a significant portion of the Eagles' offense.

What's Next for UVA Basketball?

This victory serves as a confidence booster for the Cavaliers as they continue to build under Coach Ryan Odom. The team's ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, particularly with their European transfers like De Ridder and Grünloh, bodes well for the upcoming ACC schedule. UVA will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup, continuing to test their depth in non-conference play.

For NC Central, the game was a learning experience under head coach LeVelle Moton, who despite the loss, saw his team compete for stretches against a Power Five opponent.

Looking Ahead

As UVA basketball continues to evolve under Coach Odom, the focus remains on developing chemistry and maintaining defensive intensity. With two convincing wins to start the season, the Cavaliers are positioning themselves as a team to watch in the ACC.