The Virginia Cavaliers won the 2019 NCAAB title. This was the program’s first championship. Virginia were ACC regular season champions in 2021, but they lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Virginia had a down year in 2022 and missed the tourney after finishing 6th in the ACC.
Virginia play at a very slow pace with an aim to limit possessions. They’re one of the top defensive teams in the country this season. The Cavaliers are on pace to make the 2023 NCAA tournament. Virginia are 2-2 against ranked opponents and are going to be a tough team to eliminate in March.
Intriguing Facts About Virginia Cavaliers Basketball
- The Cavaliers’ Dominant Defense: Known for their defensive prowess, the Cavaliers have consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation for their stingy defense, earning them the moniker “The Lockdown Cavaliers.” Their ability to disrupt opponents’ offensive schemes and force turnovers has been a hallmark of their success.
- The Wahoos: The team’s nickname, “Wahoos,” is a unique and endearing aspect of the program’s identity. It pays homage to the school’s founder, Thomas Jefferson, who used “Wahoowa” as a cheer during his time at the University of Virginia. This distinctive nickname reflects the deep-rooted traditions and pride associated with Virginia Cavaliers basketball.
- Historic Rivalries: Virginia’s rivalry games against teams like Virginia Tech and North Carolina are legendary in college basketball. These matchups are characterized by intense competition, passionate fan bases, and memorable moments that have etched themselves into the annals of the sport. The anticipation and excitement surrounding these games add an extra layer of drama to each season.
- First ACC Tournament Title: In 1976, the Cavaliers secured their first ACC Tournament title, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history. This triumph not only solidified their status as a competitive force within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) but also served as a springboard for future success on the national stage.
- Iconic Home Court: The Cavaliers’ home court, John Paul Jones Arena, is a state-of-the-art facility that has become synonymous with the program’s excellence. With a seating capacity of over 14,000, it provides an electric atmosphere for fans and a formidable home-court advantage for the team. The arena’s reputation for creating a raucous and intimidating environment is a testament to the passionate fan base that rallies behind the Cavaliers.
The Historical Tapestry of Virginia Cavaliers Basketball
Virginia Cavaliers basketball traces its roots back to the early 20th century, but it was in the 1970s that the program truly began to make its mark on the national stage. Under the leadership of Coach Terry Holland, the Cavaliers embarked on a journey that would shape their identity as a basketball powerhouse.
During this era, Virginia established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the ACC, with standout players like Wally Walker and Jeff Lamp leading the charge. The program’s rise culminated in the historic 1980-1981 season when they reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. Though they fell short of capturing the ultimate prize, that season remains etched in the memory of Cavaliers fans as a pivotal turning point.
Virginia Cavaliers Latest News
Virginia Cavaliers [year] Schedule
Regular Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Date: Mon 06/11/2023 | Opponent: Tarleton State Texans | Result: W 80-50 |
| Week 1 | Date: Fri 10/11/2023 | Opponent: Florida Gators | Result: W 73-70 |
| Week 2 | Date: Tue 14/11/2023 | Opponent: North Carolina A&T Aggies | Result: W 80-51 |
| Week 2 | Date: Thu 16/11/2023 | Opponent: Texas Southern Tigers | Result: W 62-33 |
| Week 3 | Date: Mon 20/11/2023 | Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers | Result: L 41-65 |
| Week 3 | Date: Wed 22/11/2023 | Opponent: West Virginia Mountaineers | Result: W 56-54 |
| Week 4 | Date: Wed 29/11/2023 | Opponent: Texas A&M Aggies | Result: W 59-47 |
| Week 4 | Date: Sat 02/12/2023 | Opponent: Syracuse Orange | Result: W 84-62 |
| Week 5 | Date: Tue 05/12/2023 | Opponent: North Carolina Central Eagles | Result: W 77-47 |
| Week 6 | Date: Sat 16/12/2023 | Opponent: Northeastern Huskies | Result: W 56-54 |
| Week 7 | Date: Tue 19/12/2023 | Opponent: Memphis Tigers | Result: L 54-77 |
| Week 8 | Date: Wed 27/12/2023 | Opponent: Morgan St. Bears | Result: W 79-44 |
| Week 8 | Date: Sat 30/12/2023 | Opponent: Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Result: L 54-76 |
| Week 9 | Date: Wed 03/01/2024 | Opponent: Louisville Cardinals | Result: W 77-53 |
| Week 9 | Date: Sat 06/01/2024 | Opponent: NC State Wolfpack | Result: L 60-76 |
| Week 10 | Date: Sat 13/01/2024 | Opponent: Wake Forest Demon Deacons | Result: L 47-66 |
| Week 11 | Date: Wed 17/01/2024 | Opponent: Virginia Tech Hokies | Result: W 65-57 |
| Week 11 | Date: Sat 20/01/2024 | Opponent: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | Result: W 75-66 |
| Week 12 | Date: Wed 24/01/2024 | Opponent: NC State Wolfpack | Result: W 59-53 |
| Week 12 | Date: Sat 27/01/2024 | Opponent: Louisville Cardinals | Result: W 69-52 |
| Week 13 | Date: Wed 31/01/2024 | Opponent: Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Result: W 65-53 |
| Week 13 | Date: Sat 03/02/2024 | Opponent: Clemson Tigers | Result: W 66-65 |
| Week 14 | Date: Mon 05/02/2024 | Opponent: Miami-Florida Hurricanes | Result: W 60-38 |
| Week 14 | Date: Sat 10/02/2024 | Opponent: Florida State Seminoles | Result: W 80-76 |
| Week 15 | Date: Tue 13/02/2024 | Opponent: Pittsburgh Panthers | Result: L 63-74 |
| Week 15 | Date: Sat 17/02/2024 | Opponent: Wake Forest Demon Deacons | Result: W 49-47 |
| Week 16 | Date: Mon 19/02/2024 | Opponent: Virginia Tech Hokies | Result: L 41-75 |
| Week 16 | Date: Sat 24/02/2024 | Opponent: North Carolina Tar Heels | Result: L 44-54 |
| Week 17 | Date: Wed 28/02/2024 | Opponent: Boston College Eagles | Result: W 72-68 |
| Week 17 | Date: Sat 02/03/2024 | Opponent: Duke Blue Devils | Result: L 48-73 |
| Week 18 | Date: Sat 09/03/2024 | Opponent: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | Result: W 72-57 |
Post Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Thu 14/03/2024 | Opponent: Boston College Eagles | Result: W 66-60 |
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Fri 15/03/2024 | Opponent: NC State Wolfpack | Result: L 65-73 |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Tue 19/03/2024 | Opponent: Colorado St. Rams | Result: L 42-67 |
Home of Virginia Cavaliers: John Paul Jones Arena
John Paul Jones Arena, affectionately known as JPJ, serves as the epicenter of Virginia Cavaliers basketball. The arena, which opened in 2006, boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a seating capacity of over 14,000. It has witnessed countless thrilling victories and serves as a true fortress for the Cavaliers.
The atmosphere at JPJ is electric, with the “Hoosville” student section creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams. It’s a place where traditions are born, and memories are made, making it one of the most iconic venues in college basketball.