PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Jacari White, a reserve guard who had not scored more than 13 points in a game all season, erupted for a career-high 26 points off the bench Friday afternoon to propel Virginia to an 82-73 victory over Wright State in a men’s NCAA Division I tournament first-round game at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

The Cavaliers, who entered the tournament with a 30-5 record and as heavy favorites, were tested throughout by the Horizon League champion Raiders but used a decisive second-half surge keyed by White to advance. Virginia improved to 31-5, while Wright State’s season ended at 23-12.

The game’s most critical sequence unfolded midway through the second half, turning a narrow contest into a comfortable Virginia lead. With the Cavaliers holding a 58-55 edge and just over 11 minutes remaining, Wright State’ Michael Imariagbe was assessed a flagrant foul. Virginia’s Dallin Hall sank both free throws, and on the ensuing possession, White drilled a 3-pointer. After a Wright State turnover, White struck again from beyond the arc, capping an 8-0 run in just 37 seconds of game time to push the lead to 66-55. The Raiders never recovered, never pulling closer than seven points the rest of the way.

White, a 6-foot-3 sophomore from Orlando, Florida, was spectacular in his 24 minutes, hitting 10 of his 16 field goal attempts, including four 3-pointers. His performance was a stark contrast to his recent outings, where he had been a minor contributor. He surpassed his previous season high by 13 points, providing the offensive spark Virginia’s methodical attack often lacks.

Virginia, which led 38-43 at halftime, was challenged by the hot shooting of Wright State’s backcourt. Solomon Callaghan scored 18 points, all in the first half, while Michael Imariagbe led the Raiders with 19 points. Point guard TJ Burch added 15 points and six assists. The Raiders connected on 12 3-pointers and stayed within striking distance by forcing 13 Virginia turnovers, which they converted into 14 points.

The Cavaliers countered with superior interior play, outscoring Wright State 28-16 in the paint and blocking six shots. Seven-foot center Johann Gruenloh of Germany was a defensive force with three blocks and eight points, while Belgian forward Thijs De Ridder contributed 10 points. Sam Lewis added 12 points for Virginia, and Malik Thomas had 11.

After White’s personal burst gave Virginia its double-digit cushion, the Cavaliers’ defense tightened. Wright State’s offense grew stagnant, managing only 30 second-half points on 36% shooting after a 43-point first half. Virginia, meanwhile, found its rhythm, shooting 52% after halftime and scoring 44 points to steadily pull away.

The victory, while expected according to pregame projections that gave Virginia a 93.6% chance to win, was harder fought than the 17.5-point spread suggested. The combined score of 155 points sailed over the over/under line of 143.5, a rarity for a Virginia-controlled game.

Virginia advances to face the winner of the Creighton-Colorado State matchup in the second round on Sunday. The Cavaliers will look for a more complete performance, but can take solace in the emergence of a new scoring threat in White, whose timely explosion saved them from a potential upset and extended their season.