After closing 2025 with a frustrating triple overtime loss, the Virginia basketball team bounced back with a pair of wins to open 2026. That carried the Cavaliers to a 13-2 overall record and a 2-1 start in ACC play.
Both conference victories came by double-digit margins. The Hoos jumped on NC State early and led by 20 points at halftime before winning 76-61. In the ACC home opener against California, it was the reverse with Virginia comfortably controlling the second half on the way to an 84-60 win.
The ability to bounce back from that New Year’s Eve loss at triple overtime showed a team character trait that fans loved for much of the Tony Bennett era. Hoo fans could count on those teams to almost always respond from a tough loss with a resilient performance in the next game. For nine seasons from 2013-2014, UVA only lost back-to-back games five times. If this sequence of games is an indicator of that type of resilience, it would be a great sign for the Ryan Odom era as a whole.
The Cavaliers will try to add to their win column this weekend when they return to action at the John Paul Jones Arena. They host Stanford on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. That game will be the first sellout of Odom’s first season per Virginia.
Saturday’s game vs. Stanford is now SOLD OUT‼️
You can still secure tickets at @SeatGeek , the Official Fan-to-Fan Ticket Marketplace for Virginia Athleticshttps://t.co/aI0WYMd0i0⚔️#GoHoos pic.twitter.com/GTgWTzB1Yv
— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) January 8, 2026
The conference grind is now here to separate contenders and NCAA Tournament hopefuls from the rest. With the Hoos currently ranked No. 23 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll and and No 21 the NET rankings, they are in good shape for early January in that regard. There are still a lot of games left to play, including a non-conference neutral site game with Ohio State in Nashville.
Fans have been discussing the team and it’s progress so far this season this week. If competing for the top of the ACC standings and an NCAA Tournament spot are the goals, what concerns do fans have? What have fans liked so far? Those types of things and other hot topics on UVA hoops include:
- Things looking good ... but one major concern. This team is fouling at an alarming rate.
- Great game yesterday. Kept their heads when Cal tied/went ahead in the 1st half and then steadily pulled away. The defense at the beginning of the 2nd half was ferocious. I love how the team is seemingly taking turns as to who is the game's leading scorer.
- Seen enough games If we shoot well from 3 we can beat anyone. Shoot badly from 3 we will lose to mediocre teams. Defensively, a quick point guard with game can really hurt us by scoring and penetration.
- Our fan base, like most I suppose, is nothing if not adaptable. For years on this board there was post after post hoping we held team X under 40 or maybe 50. Now we make the same posts urging them to break the 80 point mark. Personally, I enjoy both eras.
- Fun team to watch when they move the ball and shoot reasonably well. And the energy is good with the depth.
- I think that VT game woke us up a bit. Playing our best ball of the year in these last two games ... keep it rolling.
- Attendance question
- 1995 team being honored at halftime on Saturday. Such a great team!!
- Saturday is the annual Basketball Alumni Reunion
What about you? What do you think about the Wahoos? Join the conversation on the message board.
Fan(s) Of The Week
All smiles at the JPJ.
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
Go Hoos!
Feature Photo Of The Week
Chance Mallory and the Virginia basketball team won the ACC home opener against California.
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