TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Jacari White contributed 19 points off the bench, including a crucial go-ahead dunk with 1:12 remaining, as No. 15 Virginia went on an 11-0 run to secure a 61-58 victory over Florida State on Tuesday night.
White, who hails from Orlando, returned home to Florida and played a key role in helping the Cavaliers (21-3, 10-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) extend their winning streak to five games by hitting 5 of 9 three-pointers. He logged 21 minutes and scored more points than in any other ACC game this season.
For Florida State (11-13, 3-7), which was riding a three-game winning streak, Rajai Jones led the team with 21 points and a season-best 13 rebounds. Robert McCray V added 20 points.
Theis de Ridder’s short jumper with 25 seconds left put Virginia ahead 61-58. Florida State’s Jones and McCray both missed three-point attempts that could have tied the game, and the Seminoles failed to score in the final 4 minutes and 54 seconds.
De Ridder also contributed nine points and nine rebounds in helping Virginia edge Florida State 47-37.
Virginia’s bench, led by White, outpaced Florida State’s reserves 32-10.
Though both teams struggled with shooting, the Cavaliers improved their performance late in the game. Virginia finished with a 38% field goal percentage and shot 30% from beyond the arc (10 of 33), securing their 10th win in 11 games.
Florida State held a 54-45 lead earlier but cooled off, shooting just 29% overall and 18% (6 of 33) from three-point range.
Up next, Virginia will host Ohio State on Saturday, while Florida State travels to Virginia Tech.
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Fan Take: This win highlights Virginia’s depth and resilience, showing why they remain a top contender in the ACC. Basketball fans should watch closely, as the Cavaliers’ ability to execute under pressure could make for an exciting postseason run.
