Virginia Basketball will play Miami at 7 p. m. ET in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the ACC Tournament semifinals are set for Friday night at Spectrum Center.
What happens when Virginia Basketball meets Miami again in Charlotte?
The ACC Tournament schedule lists No. 2 Virginia vs. No. 3 Miami as the first semifinal at 7 p. m. ET on /ESPN2, with No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 Clemson slated for the later game at 9: 30 p. m. ET on /ESPN2. The games are being played at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
The matchup carries a recent, high-drama reference point: the teams played once in the regular season in a close finish. That game was tied at 83 with three seconds left when Chance Mallory was fouled attempting a 3-pointer, and he made all three free throws to lift Virginia over Miami.
What if Thursday’s quarterfinal paths hint at Friday’s pace and pressure?
Both teams advanced on Thursday to reach the semifinal. Virginia got by NC State, 81-74, while Miami survived Louisville, 78-73. In Virginia’s win, NC State shot 50% from outside but 37% overall, and Virginia blocked nine shots. The Wolfpack was more competitive than in two regular-season meetings referenced as decisive Virginia wins, but the result still sent Virginia through.
Miami’s finish against Louisville again highlighted late execution. The Hurricanes made key plays down the stretch, including a steal by Tru Washington after a Miami basket. Malik Reneau made free throws, and Miami had a five-point lead with less than a minute to play, with Shelton Henderson adding a late dunk.
One notable availability note remains in the Miami rotation: Mikel Brown sat out again with a back issue.
What if the semifinal swings on depth, defense, and late-game decision-making?
Friday’s early game pairs a Virginia team described as having the most depth among the remaining teams with a Miami group that has repeatedly leaned on late-game plays. Virginia’s defensive impact was evident against NC State through shot-blocking, while Miami’s advance featured a decisive steal and made free throws in the closing minute.
The setting and stakes are clear: with the ACC semis set, Virginia and Miami tip first at 7 p. m. ET, followed by Duke and Clemson. The night caps a Thursday that also saw Clemson hold on to beat UNC, 80-79, completing the semifinal field.
