CHICAGO, IL (WVIR) - Malachi Richardson scored a game-high 23 points and No. 10 seed Syracuse came back to beat No. 1 seed Virginia 68-62 in the Midwest Regional Finals from the United Center in Chicago Sunday night.
Virginia is the third No. 1 seed to fall in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Tournament.
Syracuse trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half, but long-time Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim adjusted, and the Orange used a pressure filled defense to force six Virginia turnovers, that resulted in the Cuse closing the game out on a 27-8 run.
The Cavaliers committed a tournament-high 13 turnovers, resulting in 15 Syracuse points.
Virginia finished the season 29-8 as Tony Bennett fell to 9-6 in tournament games. It was Bennett's first ever Elite 8 appearance. Virginia is now 28-20 all-time in the NCAA tournament.
Mike Tobey says, "Looking back at it, we probably thought we had it. I don't know. I don't think so. They made some tough plays and we just didn't execute in the end."
Evan Nolte says, "I can't really describe how it feels but its just hard. I don't know if its absolutely hit me yet. I don't know how to describe it.
London Perrantes led the 'Hoos with 18 points, 15 of those coming on five three-pointers in the first half. Perrantes made six three-pointers, which sets a UVa NCAA Tournament record.
Virginia trailed 8-2 to start the game but closed out the first half on a 33-13 run and led 35-21 at halftime.
Malcolm Brogdon scored 12 points and Anthony Gill added 10 more for the Cavaliers.
Virginia had a chance to tie the game with 10 seconds left in regulation but Devon Hall missed a three-pointer and the Cuse would make their foul shots to close out the contest.
Anthony Gill says, "It seems real, mainly because we're talking about how we just lost right now. Its something that we understand fully that we gave it away. We were up 15 and we kind of blue that lead. Its something that we don't normally do."
Malcolm Brogdon says, "After coach Bennett spoke, I went around and told every guy how much they meant to me and how much I've enjoyed playing with them, being around here for as many years as I've been here. Its important for everybody to realize the relationships they have, and that they won't go away. They're relationships for life."
The Cavaliers' senior class finished with a career 112 wins, matching a school record set by the 1983 team. Virginia tallied 89 wins over the last three seasons, setting a program record.
London Perrantes says, "The seniors talked about what they did for the program. Not so much about the game. You can't say much about it now. Its too late.
Isaiah Wilkins says, "We wanted to win for those guys and for each other, to see all they did for the program, we appreciate them and love them. We'll be brothers forever its just sad right now.
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