Virginia Basketball Defeats Ohio State 70 66 as Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak to Six

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a breaking update from Bridgestone Arena, No. 15 Virginia erased a second half deficit and closed on a decisive late run to defeat Ohio State 70 66 on Saturday night in the Nashville Hoops Showdown.

Malik Thomas and Sam Lewis each scored 13 points to lead the Cavaliers, who improved to 22 3 overall and extended their winning streak to six games. Virginia continued its strong performance away from home, moving to 10 2 in road and neutral site contests, including a 3 1 mark on neutral floors.

The game was tied at 37 at halftime after Virginia rallied from an early Ohio State advantage. The Buckeyes built a six point lead with under 10 minutes remaining in the second half, but the Cavaliers responded with a 6 0 run to regain momentum. With just over one minute left, Lewis forced a turnover and converted a transition layup to give Virginia a 65 61 lead. He added two free throws with 11 seconds remaining to secure the outcome.

Bruce Thornton delivered a standout performance for Ohio State, scoring 28 points and recording the 500th assist of his collegiate career. Amare Bynum added 15 points and 6 rebounds. The Buckeyes fell to 16 9 overall in what marked one of their rare nonconference matchups this late in the season, their latest such game outside league play in nearly four decades.

The latest timeline for Ohio State includes a significant roster development. Prior to tipoff, the program announced that John Mobley Jr. will be sidelined indefinitely with a hand injury sustained Wednesday against Southern California. Mobley had started the first 24 games of the season and was averaging 15.1 points per game. His absence alters the Buckeyes’ offensive rotation and backcourt depth, placing increased scoring responsibility on Thornton and Bynum moving forward.

From a broader outlook perspective, Virginia’s defensive consistency remains central to its season impact. The Cavaliers limited Ohio State to key empty possessions in the closing minutes and executed efficiently in late game situations. Historically, Virginia has relied on disciplined half court defense and tempo control under head coach Tony Bennett, and this contest reflected that identity during critical stretches.

What this means for postseason positioning is significant. Virginia continues to strengthen its NCAA Tournament resume with neutral site wins and sustained momentum entering the final weeks of conference play. Ohio State, meanwhile, must recalibrate its rotation while navigating Big Ten competition without one of its primary scorers.

Next steps are immediate for both programs. Ohio State returns home to host Wisconsin on Tuesday night in a key conference matchup that will influence Big Ten standings.

Virginia travels to Georgia Tech on Wednesday night, seeking to extend its winning streak and maintain upward trajectory in national rankings as March approaches.