Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/662215
was something I'll never forget." After the game, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino called UVA a "well-oiled ma- chine." "You've got to give a lot credit to Vir- ginia," Pitino said. "They have a legitimate chance because of experience, the way they shoot the ball, the way they play defense to do a lot of great things in the [NCAA] Tournament." In the ACC Tournament, which was held in Washington for the first time since 2005, Virginia beat Georgia Tech 72-52 in the quarterfinals. Brogdon led Virginia with 26 points, while Gill added 12 points and eight rebounds. Per- rantes had eight points and eight assists. Virginia shot 54 p e r c e n t a n d h e l d Georgia Tech to 41 percent. UVA forced the Yellow Jackets into 14 turnovers, which led to 22 points, and held leading scorer Marcus Georges-Hunt to seven points on 1-of-8 shooting. "It was a collective effort," Brogdon said. "Defense is what we pride ourselves on. Even with other great players on opposing teams, it doesn't matter who it is — we're going to try and lock them down, try and make them uncomfortable and make it a tough night for them." Fourth-year forward Evan Nolte capped a run by hitting a three-pointer from the cor- ner as he was being fouled by James White. Nolte hit the ensuing free throw to complete the rare four-point play, while fans chanted his name. "I've never seen a guy hit a three and have the whole crowd chant his name that quick," Bennett said. "That was impressive." In the semifinals, Virginia was shaky against Miami before holding on for a 73-68 victory that moved it into the championship game for the second time in three years. UVA, though, was just a little out of sync against UNC. The Tar Heels shot 51 percent in their 61-57 win. "Both teams played very hard, obviously," Bennett said, "but they made it hard on us. It was a heck of an atmosphere. Our guys didn't die. They kept hanging in there, gave ourselves chances … "It was two teams playing their hearts out. Carolina de- served it." Despite the loss, Virginia was able to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tourna- ment for the second time in three years. In both the 2014 and 2015 NCAA Tournaments, UVA had scared its fans with closer-than-anticipated opening games against Coastal Carolina and Belmont. But 2016 was a different story. Playing in Raleigh, N.C., Virginia crushed Hampton 81-45. The only scare was when a dehydrated Bennett fainted just before the half. "It was more embarrassing than anything," Bennett said. In the second round, Virginia faced a big- ger test in the form of No. 9 seed Butler, a school with a reputation for pulling off up- sets. UVA trailed 25-23 at the break before "All the guys that have helped get it to that, there will be joy, and I'm just so thankful to have coached them. I know every coach says that at this time, but it is not lip service. It's real." HEAD COACH TONY BENNETT ON HIS TEAM