Virginia Snaps Streak, Wins First Tournament Game Since 2019

0:00On March 20, third-seated Virginia beat 14th-seated Wright State 82-73 in the first round of the men's NCAA tournament. Takari White led the Cavaliers with 26 points, including 6-3 pointers. This win sends Virginia to the second round on Sunday against either 6th-seated Tennessee or 11th-seated Miami of Ohio. Virginia snapped a string of early exits, marking their first tournament victory since the 2019 national title. Coach Tony Bennett retired before last season, and new head coach Ryan Odom quickly rebuilt the team to a 30-win record. Wright State hung tough as an 18-and-a-half-point underdog, hitting 13-3 pointers overall. Michael Immoragbe scored 19 points, and Solomon Callahan added 18, keeping the game close until the final minutes. Odom has deep roots in Charlottesville, where he grew up cheering for the Cavaliers as his dad coached there in the 80s. This marks his fourth different program to reach the tournament, and he's now a winner at his childhood favorite.

1:03The Cavaliers have won 14 of their last 16 games, and aim for their first second round victories since 2019. They'll carry this momentum into the Midwest Regional match-up.