Virginia Rolls Past NC State, Elijah Gertrude Delivers Bench Highlight

The Virginia Cavaliers imposed their will on the NC State Wolfpack Tuesday night at John Paul Jones Arena, securing a 90–61 victory that extended their winning streak to nine games. From the opening tip, Virginia dictated the pace, dominating in the paint, capitalizing on transition opportunities, and suffocating the Wolfpack with their signature defensive intensity.

Even with the game well in hand, the Cavaliers provided fans with a showcase moment courtesy of redshirt sophomore guard Elijah Gertrude. Though he scored only two points, Gertrude made them count in spectacular fashion, electrifying the home crowd with a ferocious one-handed dunk during the final minutes of the contest. The play underscored the value of staying engaged, even when called off the bench.

Virginia’s performance was a master class in control and execution. The team limited NC State to just 29 percent shooting, held the advantage on the glass, and converted fast-break opportunities into easy points. Their balanced offensive attack and lockdown defense left the Wolfpack with little chance to mount a comeback, highlighting the Cavaliers’ efficiency and depth.

With the victory, head coach Tony Bennett’s program continues to demonstrate the defensive and disciplined identity that has defined Virginia basketball, now complemented by a surge of youthful energy and scoring versatility. The Cavaliers (25-3, 13-2) now set their sights on a marquee matchup with No. 1 Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium this Saturday.

1. Elijah Gertrude Shines Off the Bench

Gertrude’s highlight provided a jolt for both fans and teammates in what could otherwise be considered “garbage time.” Entering the game with minutes to spare, the 6-foot-4 guard immediately showed focus, using his ball-handling skills to beat his defender and throw down a one-handed dunk over a scrambling Wolfpack defense. The moment reflected Gertrude’s readiness and commitment. While bench players may not always see significant minutes, staying engaged and prepared can lead to key contributions, and Gertrude seized his opportunity with maximum impact. Though his stat line for the night was modest, his dunk served as a showcase of athleticism, timing, and poise under pressure. For a young player, such moments can build confidence and serve as a reminder to coaches that he can contribute in high-energy situations. For Virginia, Gertrude’s highlight reinforced the team’s depth. The Cavaliers’ ability to maintain intensity while rotating players ensures that even secondary contributors can make game-changing plays, a trait that could prove valuable during the postseason.

2. Virginia’s Dominance on Both Ends

The Cavaliers controlled the game from start to finish, using a combination of precise offense and suffocating defense to overwhelm NC State. Their defensive schemes limited the Wolfpack to just 29 percent shooting, effectively shutting down any potential runs. In transition, Virginia capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities, consistently turning stops into points. The team’s balanced scoring attack prevented NC State from focusing on any single offensive threat, keeping defenders on their heels throughout the contest. Inside the paint, the Cavaliers asserted themselves with strong rebounding and interior defense, minimizing second-chance opportunities for the Wolfpack. This physicality and presence under the basket amplified the team’s overall dominance and highlighted Virginia’s commitment to controlling the game in all phases. Head coach Tony Bennett’s system continues to emphasize discipline and defensive cohesion, and Tuesday’s performance showcased the effectiveness of his coaching philosophy. Even with a few players getting limited minutes, the team’s energy and execution never faltered.

3. Looking Ahead to Duke

Virginia now turns its attention to a critical matchup with the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils this Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The outcome could have significant implications for ACC standings heading into March. Duke enters the game with a 26-2 overall record and 14-1 in conference play, having dominated opponents across the country and establishing themselves as the team to beat. Virginia will need to maintain its defensive intensity while finding ways to generate offense against one of the nation’s most potent squads. For the Cavaliers, contributions from the bench and key players like Elijah Gertrude will be crucial. Sustaining energy, hitting timely shots, and controlling the pace could determine the outcome in a matchup with ACC title implications. If Virginia can pull off a win at Cameron Indoor Stadium, it would position them strongly as the conference leaders heading into the final stretch of the regular season and the start of March tournament play. For the Wolfpack and their fans, this game will serve as a benchmark of the program’s progress under coach Ryan Odom.