Virginia Opens Season With 89-60 Win Over Drexel
No. 9 Virginia beat Drexel 89-60 in Charlottesville on November 3, led by Thijs De Ridder’s 24 points and nine rebounds.
Virginia began its season with a 89-60 home victory over Drexel on November 3, giving coach Ryan Odom a win in his second year with the Cavaliers. Virginia built a 51-27 halftime lead after jumping ahead 25-4 early in the game.
De Ridder scored 12 points in the opening 2:22 and finished leading all scorers with 24 points and nine rebounds. Sam Lewis added 20 points, making four of his six three-point attempts. Johann Grunloh contributed 11 points and nine rebounds.
Virginia shot 10-for-29 from three-point range and made 15 of 19 free throws. Drexel’s Latief Lorenzano-White and reserve Ladricus Pittman each scored 11 points, while Dillon Tingler added 10 off the bench. The Dragons played a stronger second half, but could not make up the early gap.
Lewis also had three assists and one turnover, while reserve guard Elijah Gertrude scored eight points and recorded four rebounds, two assists and three steals in 15 minutes. Virginia used both larger lineups featuring two big men and smaller units without a conventional center.
Drexel is scheduled to host Colgate on Saturday. Virginia’s next game is at home against Northeastern on Friday, followed by early-season matchups with Arkansas and Maryland.