UVA Beats Wright State as Fans Sound Off on Cavaliers' First March Madness Win Since 2019

No. 3 seed Virginia took down No. 14 Wright State by the final score of 82-73 in the 2026 NCAA tournament on Friday.

The victory represented the Cavaliers' first March Madness win since their national title in 2019.

Virginia trailed at halftime, but was able to overcome the Raiders' defense in the second half and advance to the second round.

Fans and pundits discussed the victory.

After both teams were scoreless over the first two minutes of game time, Wright State jumped out to a 19-13 lead with 11 minutes remaining in the first half.

Virginia quickly responded with an 8-0 run to move back in front, though.

The two schools continued to trade baskets for the remainder of the first half, with Wright State holding a 43-38 edge at halftime following a layup from Raiders guard TJ Burch.

Neither team was able to pull away early in the second half, as several lead changes occurred before Wright State led 70-67 with just over five minutes left in the contest.

Virginia ultimately secured the win by closing the game on a 15-3 run that was highlighted by multiple clutch buckets from senior guard Jacari White.

White finished with a season-high 26 points off the bench, shooting 10-of-12 from the field while connecting on six triples. He also grabbed three rebounds and picked up one steal.

The Cavaliers' entire rotation was efficient from behind the arc, hitting 50 percent of their threes as a team. Virginia was dominant on the glass as well, pulling down 39 rebounds compared to just 24 for Wright State.

Head coach Ryan Odom's squad will now face the winner of Friday's matchup between Tennessee and Miami (OH) in the second round.