PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – In the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, No. 6 Tennessee defeated No. 3 Virginia, 79-72.
Tennessee built a narrow five point halftime lead as it dominated points in the paint. But Virginia found a way to stay close and chip away at what was a 9 point second half deficit. Dallin Hall scored back-to-back layups then Thijs De Ridder asserted himself as the Cavaliers would tie the game, 68-68. De Ridder would lead Virginia in scoring with 22 points and his three pointer with 2:00 to play gave the Cavalier a 71-70 lead.
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The Volunteers’ size and physicality made a difference but turnovers proved to be costly. After committing just one in the first half, they had 9 in the second half.
Down the stretch, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Bishop Boswell helped close things out for the victory to put Tennessee back in the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive season. Gillespie finished with 19 points while Boswell had 13.
HALFTIME UPDATE
In the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, No. 6 Tennessee leads No. 3 Virginia, 36-31 at halftime.
While the Cavaliers had a hot start from three point range, the Volunteers rattled off a 12-0 run to take a 28-20 lead. During that stretch, Virginia had a scoring drought that lasted for more than five minutes.
As expected, the Volunteers have the advantage scoring in the paint. Both teams have limited their turnovers--just a combined 4 between both teams.
Bishop Boswell leads Tennessee with 9 points while Jacari White leads Virginia with 10 points.
The Cavaliers are seeking their first Sweet 16 birth since 2019.