Virginia falls to Tennessee 79-72 in NCAA Tournament second round

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Dallin Hall (30) dribbles the all against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The three-seeded Virginia Cavaliers fell 79-72 to the six-seeded Tennessee Volunteers in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday night. Following a five point deficit at halftime, Virginia sprung back into the picture.

After a back-and-forth second half, Tennessee spent much of the final minute at the free-throw line – expanding Virginia’s final deficit. Thijs De Ridder was Virginia’s MVP, leading the team with 22 points at 4-of-6 from three. He came alive in the second half – tying the game twice at the free-throw line and hitting a three to secure Virginia’s first lead of the half.

De Ridder supplied and carried the team’s momentum, often hyping them up from the court between plays. Dallin Hall was another change maker. While he had a modest seven points, he tallied seven rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block.

Tennessee played tight interior defense, with the ‘Hoos struggling to penetrate. The ‘Hoos hit only eight points in the paint in the first half, compared to Tennessee’s 18. Virginia, outsized in the post, lived behind the arc for most of this one.