Virginia Rallies Past Maryland Behind Lewis’s 28 Points

Virginia’s first road game of the season turned into a comeback as the Cavaliers defeated Maryland 87-83 at Xfinity Center on November 13. Sam Lewis led the way with a career-best 28 points, helping Virginia improve to 5-0 after trailing 47-36 at halftime.

The Cavaliers struggled through a choppy first half, with turnovers and frequent fouls disrupting their attack. Maryland scored 19 of its first 40 points from the free-throw line. Virginia had six turnovers before it had made more than five field goals, and the Terps carried their 11-point advantage into the break.

Virginia found its rhythm after halftime, making 20 of 26 shots in the period. Chance Mallory’s three-pointer put the Cavaliers ahead 70-69 with 6:31 remaining, their first lead since early in the game. Lewis followed with a dunk, and Thijs De Ridder added a driving basket as Virginia built its advantage.

De Ridder’s three-pointer with 1:33 left extended the lead to 85-77 and helped quiet the crowd. He scored 20 points, while Johann Grunloh had 15 and Mallory added 12. Maryland’s Pharrel Payne also scored 20; Kaden House had 17 and Mike McNair Jr. finished with 15.

The win extended Virginia’s run against its former Atlantic Coast Conference rival to four straight, and the Cavaliers have won 10 of the teams’ past 11 meetings. Virginia hosts Old Dominion on Tuesday, while Maryland is set to host Alcorn State on Monday.