Cavaliers’ season ends with loss to Volunteers
AP The Virginia Cavaliers’ season ended earlier than expected with a 79-72 loss to Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Sixth-seeded Tennessee advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the fourth consecutive season and will face second-seeded Iowa State in Chicago. Third-seeded Virginia finished 30-6 in its first season under coach Ryan Odom.
The Cavaliers sought their first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2019, when they won the national championship. Despite falling short, Virginia capped a strong season as ACC runner-up and reestablished itself as a national contender. Tennessee seized control early with a 12-0 run in the first half and maintained the lead for most of the game.
Virginia rallied late, taking a 71-70 lead on a 3-pointer by Thijs De Ridder with two minutes remaining, its first lead since early in the first half. Tennessee responded with key free throws down the stretch to regain and extend the lead. Virginia managed only one point in the final minute, while Tennessee converted six consecutive free throws to secure the victory.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the Volunteers with 21 points. Virginia trailed by five at halftime and by nine midway through the second half before mounting a comeback behind Dallin Hall and De Ridder. Hall scored on consecutive drives to cut the deficit, then assisted Johann Grünloh on a fast-break dunk that brought Virginia within two.
De Ridder later tied the game at 66 with two free throws, setting up a tightly contested finish. Odom, who took over the program after leaving VCU, assembled a roster with 12 newcomers, including seven transfers. The group developed strong chemistry and exceeded expectations throughout the season.