Virginia Routs Northeastern 97-72 Behind Lewis, Mallory

No. 9 Virginia improved to 2-0 with a balanced scoring effort in Charlottesville, then faces No. 12 Arkansas on Sunday in Washington.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball

Virginia Routs Northeastern 97-72 Behind Lewis, Mallory

No. 9 Virginia defeated Northeastern 97-72 in Charlottesville, with Sam Lewis and Chance Mallory each scoring 20 points. Northeastern's Rashad King led all scorers with 26 points, but the Huskies committed 19 turnovers.

Why it matters

The win keeps Virginia unbeaten at 2-0 as it prepares for a higher-level test against No. 12 Arkansas. Northeastern's turnover total highlighted ball-security problems that could matter against stronger opponents.

Virginia shot 61.3% from the floor in the second half and went 6 for 14 from three-point range after a 2-for-10, 0-for-7 start. Northeastern committed 19 turnovers while Rashad King scored 26 points.

The players

Virginia Cavaliers

The University of Virginia's men's basketball program, which competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference and is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Northeastern Huskies

The men's basketball program of Northeastern University, a private research university based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Sam Lewis

A Virginia guard who scored 20 points in the win over Northeastern.

Chance Mallory

A Virginia player who matched Sam Lewis with 20 points against Northeastern.

Rashad King

A Northeastern scorer who led all players with 26 points in the loss to Virginia.

The details

Virginia trailed early but used a 22-11 run over the final nine minutes of the first half to lead 38-31 at halftime. Thijs De Ridder added 16 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Johann Grunloh scored 13 points despite playing on an injured right ankle.

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2026: Virginia defeated Northeastern 97-72 in Charlottesville.
Sunday: Virginia plays No. 12 Arkansas at Capital One Arena in Washington.
Tuesday: Northeastern hosts Harvard.

Season Trajectory

Virginia's 2-0 start positions the program for a meaningful early test against No. 12 Arkansas in Washington on Sunday. A balanced scoring output and a strong second half suggest the Cavaliers are building depth before facing a ranked opponent.

Virginia's Sunday game against No. 12 Arkansas gives fantasy and betting followers a ranked-opponent test to track. Northeastern's 19 turnovers may also matter for anyone evaluating its next game against Harvard on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Early-season wins against lower-ranked teams matter most when they reveal how a team handles pressure. Virginia's ability to recover from a slow start is a useful sign heading into a tougher road test.