NCAAMB WEEKEND ROUND UP

North Carolina Storms Back to Defeat Virginia 85–80 in Statement ACC Road Win (photo by UNC Athletics)

By Walker Johnson

Jan 25, 2026, 9:20AM

CHARLOTTESVILLE — No. 22 North Carolina delivered one of its most impressive performances of the season Saturday night, erasing a 16-point first-half deficit to defeat No. 14 Virginia 85–80 at John Paul Jones Arena in a pivotal ACC matchup.

Virginia controlled the opening stretch behind crisp ball movement and disciplined half-court execution. The Cavaliers built their lead by attacking mismatches inside and controlling the glass, frustrating a North Carolina team that struggled early with shot selection and turnovers. Thijs DeRidder anchored Virginia’s offense, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds, while the Cavaliers used a balanced scoring effort to seize momentum before halftime.

Trailing by double digits late in the first half, North Carolina responded with renewed defensive pressure after the break. The Tar Heels extended pressure on the perimeter and began forcing Virginia into rushed possessions, igniting a steady comeback. Jarin Stevenson was instrumental in the rally, scoring all 17 of his points in the second half, including multiple momentum-swinging three-pointers and a key and-one finish late.

UNC’s offense found rhythm through ball movement and transition opportunities. Caleb Wilson led all scorers with 20 points, attacking the paint while knocking down timely jumpers, and Seth Trimble added 16 points, calmly converting free throws in the final minutes to secure the win.

413’s Bottomline

The final ten minutes featured several lead changes, but North Carolina’s composure proved decisive. The Tar Heels outscored Virginia 51–37 in the second half, finishing strong at the free-throw line while forcing 11 Cavalier turnovers on the night.

Illinois Stuns Purdue 88–82 Behind Historic Performance at Mackey Arena

WEST LAFAYETTE — No. 11 Illinois delivered one of the most memorable road wins in program history Saturday night, knocking off No. 4 Purdue 88–82 at Mackey Arena behind a sensational individual performance.

Freshman guard Keaton Wagler put on a historic display, pouring in 46 points on 13-of-17 shooting, including 9-of-11 from three-point range and 11-of-13 at the free-throw line. Wagler’s scoring total marked the most points ever scored by a visiting player at Mackey Arena and powered Illinois to a statement Big Ten victory.

Purdue opened the game with physicality and control, leaning on strong interior play and efficient ball movement. Braden Smithled the Boilermakers with 27 points and 12 assists, orchestrating the offense and keeping Purdue in front for much of the first half. The Boilermakers entered halftime with a slim advantage, buoyed by home-court energy.

Illinois refused to fade. The Illini found offensive rhythm in the second half, spacing the floor and attacking Purdue’s defensive rotations. Wagler continued to score from everywhere on the court, while David Mirkovic chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds, providing crucial support inside.

413’s Bottomline

Despite Purdue making several late pushes, Illinois executed down the stretch with confidence. The Illini finished the night shooting 47 percent from three-point range (18-of-38) and outrebounded Purdue 33–19, an unexpected edge that proved decisive.

VCU Holds Off Davidson 75–69 to Secure Key A-10 Road Victory

DAVIDSON — VCU continued its strong conference play Saturday night, earning a 75–69 road win over Davidson in a tightly contested Atlantic 10 matchup.

Davidson started strong, knocking down early perimeter shots and capitalizing on VCU turnovers to build a small advantage. The Rams responded with defensive pressure, forcing empty possessions and igniting a key run that swung momentum before halftime.

Photo by All Things Sports

Lazar Djokovic (photo above) led VCU with 20 points and eight rebounds, providing consistent scoring inside and out. The Rams also received balanced contributions from Terrence Hill Jr. (14 points) and Brandon Jennings (13 points), allowing VCU to maintain control for much of the second half.

413’s Bottomline

Davidson made a late push behind Sam Brown’s 18 points and Josh Scovens’ 15-point effort, cutting the deficit to a single possession in the closing minutes. VCU responded by executing clean possessions and converting free throws to seal the win.Thevictory keeps VCU firmly in the A-10 title conversation, while Davidson showed resilience despite falling short at home.

Liberty Cruises Past Delaware 67–51 Behind Defensive Dominance

LYNCHBURG — Liberty continued its impressive run Saturday night, defeating Delaware 67–51 with a disciplined defensive performance and efficient scoring at home.

The Flames took control early, forcing turnovers and limiting Delaware’s offensive flow. Liberty built a steady first-half lead and never looked back, suffocating the Blue Hens with strong on-ball defense and help rotations.

Brett Decker Jr. led all scorers with 25 points, knocking down six three-pointers and stretching Delaware’s defense throughout the night. JJ Harper added 10 points, while Liberty’s balanced attack allowed the Flames to control tempo.

Delaware was led by Christian Bliss (17 points) and Justyn Fernandez (16 points) but struggled to generate consistent offense against Liberty’s pressure. The Flames forced 16 turnovers and held Delaware to just 51 points, their lowest output of conference play.

413’s Bottomline

This win extends Liberty’s winning streak to 11 games and keeps the Flames unbeaten in Conference USA play. We can potentially see this team make a bid for the NCAA Tournament if the Flames keep the momentum rolling.

George Washington Dominates Richmond 85–69 in A-10 Clash

WASHINGTON, D.C. — George Washington delivered a complete performance Saturday night, defeating Richmond 85–69 behind balanced scoring and a fast start at home.

The Revolutionaries jumped out early, using aggressive defense and efficient shooting to build a commanding first-half lead. George Washington pushed the pace, forcing Richmond into difficult shots and capitalizing in transition.

Tre Dinkins led GW with 16 points off the bench, providing instant offense and energy. Christian Jones added 14 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while Garrett Johnsonchipped in 12 points and six rebounds.

Photo by All Things Sports

Richmond attempted to mount a comeback behind AJ Lopez’s (photo above) 15 points and Aiden Argabright’s 14, but every run was answered by George Washington.

413’s Bottomline

The Revolutionaries shot 48 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from three, maintaining control throughout.The victory gives George Washington momentum in Atlantic 10 play, while Richmond looks to regain consistency as conference competition intensifies.