Breaking News: No.23 Virginia Set to Welcome Maryland in Charlottesville Non-Conference Showdown
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.-No. 23 Virginia (9-1) hosts Maryland (6-5) in a high-stakes non-conference clash Saturday, December 20.Tip-off is slated for 6:00 p.m. at John Paul Jones Arena and will be broadcast on ESPN, with coverage also on the Virginia Sports Radio Network.
what to Watch
Virginia will seek to maintain its home dominance and sharpen its offensive rhythm against a Maryland squad that features a familiar connection to UVA through elijah Saunders, who played for Virginia in 2024-25. The Cavaliers enter the game riding an offensive surge, averaging 87.1 points per game-one of the club’s highest marks in school history-and sit 21st in the NET ranking and 24th in kenpom.
Maryland will bring experience and a former UVA link in saunders, adding intrigue to a matchup that hasn’t featured UVA and Maryland as the 2018-19 season. Virginia’s new leadership under head coach Ryan Odom will look to extend a recent trend of strong home performances as the program continues its transition into the Odom era.
Key Context
- No. 23 Virginia has notched six straight wins at John Paul Jones Arena and owns a dominant non-conference record (110-11 since 2009-10 at JPJ).
- Virginia is averaging 87.6 points per game and holds opponents to 67.8 ppg this season, reflecting a balanced attack and stingy defense.
- Virginia’s new head coach, Ryan Odom, took the helm in March and arrives after leading VCU to a 52-21 record over two seasons and a 2025 NCAA Tournament berth.
Tickets,Broadcast & Access
- Tickets,including single-game,group and mini-plans,are on sale at uvatix.com. Mini-plans feature options centered around Maryland or North Carolina, plus two to four fan-selected games.
- The landing, UVA’s premium group space at JPJ, is available for the 2025-26 season. Inquiries can be directed to the ticket sales team at (434) 924-8821.
- The UVA-maryland game will air on ESPN and stream on ESPN.com/watch. Local coverage is available on the Virginia Sports Radio Network, VirginiaSports.com and the Virginia Sports app, with live stats on VirginiaSports.com and the Virginia Sports app.
Coaching Chronicle
ryan Odom was named UVA’s head coach on March 22,becoming the fifth head coach in team history. His résumé includes stints at Utah State, UMBC, and VCU, with a career mark of 224-127 across 12 seasons. Notably, Odom guided UMBC to a historic upset of Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament and began his UVA tenure with a 5-0 start, surpassing a 116-year benchmark set by the program’s frist coach.
All-Time series & Recent History
Virginia trails Maryland 76-107 in the series dating back to 1912-13, but has won eight of the last nine meetings. The Cavaliers hold a 46-41 edge in Charlottesville and currently ride a three-game win streak at John Paul Jones Arena.In the most recent 2018-19 meeting, UVA earned a 76-71 road victory in College Park.
Last Time They Met
In the 2018 ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Kyle Guy led UVA with 18 points, while Ty Jerome (17) and De’Andre Hunter (15) helped secure a 76-71 win for UVA at Maryland. Jack Salt contributed 12 points and seven rebounds as the Cavaliers stretched a sizable advantage before Maryland closed the gap late.
Recent Form
Virginia’s last outing saw the Cavaliers defeat Maryland Eastern Shore 84-60 at home. Sam Lewis led with 15 points, Thijs De Ridder added 13, and Chance Mallory chipped in 10. UVA built a 46-32 halftime led behind 11 steals, underscoring a defense that can swing momentum in a hurry.
Why Virginia’s Style Stands Out
The Cavaliers emphasize a fast tempo, shared ball movement, and a pressure-based defense designed to dictate the pace. They are also among the nation’s leaders in three-point attempts and shooting efficiency, boasting a 40.0% clip from beyond the arc and a high-octane approach on the perimeter.
Roster Highlights & Depth
Virginia features a mix of veterans and a robust influx of newcomers. the 2025-26 roster includes 12 new players, such as Dallin Hall, Malik Thomas, Devin Tillis, Jacari White, Ugonna Onyenso and Johann Grünloh, along with several true freshmen and European imports. Returning players and redshirts, including Elijah Gertrude, Carter Lang and Desmond Roberts, are anchoring the rotation alongside breakout performers like De Ridder and White. Led by a dependence on a deep bench, UVA remains versatile on both ends of the floor.
stat-Sheet Snapshot
| Category | Virginia 2025-26 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pts Per Game | 87.6 | Offensive star power; high pace |
| 3-Point Attempts Per Game | 27.5 | School record pace this season |
| 3-Point Percentage | 40.0% | Strong from deep |
| Blocks Per Game | 7.1 | Elite rim protection via Grünloh & Onyenso |
| Rebound Margin | +10.2 | Dominant on the boards |
| Offensive Rebounds | 14.5 rpg | Second-chance opportunities |
| Net Rating | Top 25 | Efficient on both ends |
Horizon
Virginia’s next test comes mere days after this matchup, as they host American on monday, December 22 at 6:00 p.m. on the ACC Network and Virginia Sports Radio Network. The Cavaliers aim to extend their home success and maintain momentum entering full conference play.
Engagement Sparks
Which UVA newcomer will have the biggest impact against Maryland, and how will the Cavaliers’ depth shape the game? Do you expect UVA to extend its home win streak at JPJ this season?
Share your predictions and leave a comment below to join the conversation as UVA continues its pursuit of excellence under Coach Odom.
