March Madness 2016, Syracuse vs Virginia: Full highlights

The Syracuse Orange completed an improbable comeback to defeat the Virginia Cavaliers and punch a ticket to the Final Four.

While the Elite Eight games were exciting on Saturday, the first game on Sunday, between the Syracuse Orange and the Virginia Cavaliers got off to a slow start.  However, it was the story that unfolded after a slow start that turned Sunday’s game into a classic.

In the first half, the Orange struggled to find their shot, as Malachi Richardson and Michael Gbinije both couldn’t find the hoop no matter how hard they tried. On the other end, the Cavaliers weren’t exactly wowing anyone with their scoring total, but they were pounding the ball inside behind Anthony Gill and Mike Tobey.

Like the teams that matched up against Virginia before them, the Orange had no answer for those two and even more concerning was how wide open that they were able to find themselves. At the end of the half, Syracuse had just 21 points half.

In the second half, Syracuse was finding their shot and they were able to cut the Cavaliers’ lead to single digits. Richardson hit a huge step-back three and suddenly, the Orange had a lot more momentum than they previously had.

After that, the Orange came up with a huge steal and Tyler Lydon nailed a three to put the Orange within three and suddenly the comeback attempt was on. The Orange would take the lead a few plays later on a Richardson layup.

To make all the fans in attendance lose their minds even more, Richardson would then nail a three to put the Orange up four. Richardson would then push it to a 15-0 run, as he made a shot under the basket to pick up his 21st point of the second half and suddenly, Virginia was collapsing.

The Cavaliers would get within three, but Syracuse would make their free throws, complete the improbable comeback, win the Midwest Regional Final and earn their spot in the Final Four.

Full Highlights

Three Stars

3. Tyler Lydon, F, Syracuse

Lydon provided a double-digit scoring effort off the bench and hit some big shots late that helped his team win.

2. Tyler Roberson, F, Syracuse

When Syracuse was struggling in the first half, Roberson was one of the key players that kept the game from getting completely away with some big putbacks.

1. Malachi Richardson, G, Syracuse

Richardson keyed the comeback with 21 points in the second half. He only had two in the first half, but he didn’t give in and put on a show.

Odds

Virginia was favored by eight points coming into the game. By losing, they did not cover the spread.

What’s Next?

The Syracuse Orange will play the winner of North Carolina and Notre Dame in the Final Four next Saturday.

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