- Matchup: Virginia Cavaliers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Venue: Purcell Pavilion, South Bend, IN
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Virginia Cavaliers (16-3) are set to clash with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-9) at Purcell Pavilion this Tuesday.
In their most recent outing, the Virginia Cavaliers fell to North Carolina, finishing the game 85-80. Virginia recorded a field goal percentage of 45.3% (29 out of 64) and managed to sink 8 of 27 shots from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they converted 14 of 20 attempts, giving them a free throw percentage of 70.0%. On the boards, they secured 38 rebounds, including 13 offensive, while dishing out 14 assists. Additionally, the Cavaliers forced 4 turnovers and recorded 2 steals. Defensively, Virginia allowed North Carolina to shoot 49.2% from the field on 30 of 61 attempts, with the Tar Heels accumulating 17 assists and 5 steals. North Carolina, however, managed only 15 of 22 free throws for a 68.2% success rate and hit 10 of 22 three-point attempts. The fouls were close, with Virginia committing 18 and North Carolina reaching 14.
A standout performer was Thijs De Ridder, shooting 63.6% from the field with 2 assists and 8 rebounds in 31 minutes of play, totaling 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting.
As of now, Virginia holds a strong record of 16-3 for the season. They average 10.8 turnovers and commit 18.8 fouls per game. On average, the Cavaliers secure 42.1 rebounds and have tallied 328 assists, ranking them 73rd in Division 1 for their passing ability. They’re shooting 36.7% from three-point range (198 of 539) and 70.0% from the free-throw line, averaging 83.8 points per game (53rd in D-1), while hitting 47.3% from the field.
Defensively, the Cavaliers force 10.8 turnovers and draw 18.7 personal fouls. Opponents shoot 29.8% from beyond the arc and they rank 50th in the nation for points allowed per game (68.0). Defensively, Virginia has allowed an opponent field goal percentage of 38.7% (438 of 1,131) and averages 32.7 rebounds per game, ranking 21st in Division 1 for assists surrendered with a total of 214 this season.
In their previous game, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish achieved victory over Boston College, finishing at 68-64. They recorded 25 defensive and 12 offensive rebounds for a total of 37. Notre Dame had 8 turnovers and made 4 steals during the matchup. Boston College racked up 19 fouls, sending the Fighting Irish to the charity stripe 22 times, converting 14 for a 63.6% free throw rate. From three-point land, Notre Dame made 6 of 26 attempts (23.1%) and finished the game shooting 40.7% overall, hitting 24 of 59 attempts. Conversely, they allowed Boston College to shoot 39.7% from the field, with the Eagles connecting on 9 of 32 from three-point range and 9 of 14 free throws (64.3%). Notre Dame also allowed Boston College to grab 29 rebounds, including 7 offensive boards.
Braeden Shrewsberry was crucial for the Fighting Irish, notching 22 points and 1 assist in 33 minutes of play, shooting 8 of 17 for a 47.1% field goal percentage, along with 4 rebounds.
Notre Dame’s current record stands at 11-9. The Fighting Irish average 17.3 fouls per game and have a free throw percentage of 68.8%. They assist on 11.9 buckets per contest (ranking 322nd nationally) and average 11.6 turnovers. On the season, Notre Dame scored 1,458 points, averaging 72.9 points per game, while grabbing 37.7 rebounds. Their field goal percentage stands at 44.7%, ranking 226th in Division 1.
On the defensive end, Notre Dame ranks 95th in points allowed per game at 70.1, forcing opponents into 9.5 turnovers on average and allowing a shooting percentage of 42.2% (98th in D-1). They give up 31.3% on three-point attempts (164 of 524) and have opponents hitting 74.5% from the free-throw line. The Irish allow an average of 12.4 assists and 31.8 rebounds per game, ranking 100th and 48th in those statistics defensively.
Which team will triumph in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Notre Dame
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