Charlottesville, Virginia – In a compelling ACC/SEC Challenge showdown, the Virginia Cavaliers showcased a formidable defensive performance that proved pivotal in their 59-47 triumph over the No. 14-ranked Texas A&M on Wednesday. Andrew Rohde led a well-balanced offensive effort with 13 points, but it was the Cavaliers’ defensive resilience that ultimately made the difference in Charlottesville.
The Cavaliers’ Reece Beekman, Ryan Dunn, and Jacob Groves each contributed 12 points, while Isaac McKneely added 10 points to the scoreboard. At halftime, Virginia held a narrow one-point lead, but their defensive prowess became increasingly evident as the game unfolded.
With 14:53 left to play, a layup by Rohde propelled the Cavaliers to a 41-28 lead. Texas A&M mounted a comeback, narrowing the deficit to five points after Wildens Leveque sank a pair of free throws with 9:39 remaining. However, Virginia steadily pulled away, establishing a 14-point lead after a pivotal 3-pointer by Rohde with 5:12 left on the clock.
Texas A&M’s Henry Coleman III delivered a notable performance, scoring 16 points, securing 14 rebounds, and standing as the lone Aggies player in double figures. Hindered by the absence of the injured Tyrece Radford, Texas A&M faced offensive struggles, recording only one more field goal (17) than turnovers in the loss.
Virginia took control in the opening minutes, establishing an 18-11 lead after a Rohde 3-pointer at the 11:39 mark of the first half. Despite the Aggies responding with a 12-0 run, Virginia managed to reclaim a 27-26 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the Cavaliers’ defensive intensity limited Texas A&M, allowing Virginia to secure a decisive victory. The Aggies’ offensive struggles were evident, with only two successful three-pointers out of 11 attempts in the first half, while Virginia demonstrated a well-rounded offensive and defensive performance.
With this impressive win, Virginia advances to a 6-1 record, while Texas A&M drops to 6-2. The Cavaliers’ commitment to solid defense and a balanced offensive attack positions them as a formidable force as the season progresses.
