In a thrilling encounter on Thursday evening, Virginia secured a dramatic 66-60 overtime victory over Boston College, edging closer to an NCAA Tournament berth and securing a place in the ACC Tournament semifinals. Reece Beekman played a crucial role in the game, contributing 11 points and 11 assists to lead Virginia to victory, despite the team’s challenges with free throw shooting.
Although the Cavaliers’ performance at the free-throw line was subpar, their exceptional defensive prowess proved to be the decisive factor in the intense contest. With Boston College failing to score for over five minutes, Virginia’s defense remained steadfast until Mason Madsen of the Eagles made a crucial jumper at the buzzer, forcing the game into overtime.
It was during the additional session that Virginia truly excelled, allowing only one basket from the opposition. Quinten Post delivered an outstanding performance for the eleventh-seeded Eagles, notching up 23 points and 13 rebounds as Boston College fought fiercely for a victory.
Looking forward, Virginia is set to face the tenth-seeded N.C. State in the upcoming matchup, following the Wolfpack’s impressive victory over second-seeded Duke. With the Cavaliers teetering on the NCAA Tournament bubble, a defeat at the hands of Boston College would have dealt a severe blow to their aspirations. However, they managed to dig deep and emerge triumphant in a hard-fought battle.
As the game unfolded, it became a test of endurance for both teams. With the scoreline hanging in the balance, Virginia and Boston College grappled fiercely for dominance on the court. After a layup from Post momentarily put the Eagles ahead at 55-53, both teams struggled to find their rhythm offensively. In a tense finale to regulation time, the Cavaliers finally surged ahead at 57-55 courtesy of two crucial free throws from Jacob Groves, only to be pegged back by Madsen’s late equalizer.
The overtime period saw Boston College fail to score until the dying moments, while Virginia capitalized on their opportunities, with Isaac McKneely and Beekman sinking crucial 3-pointers to establish a six-point lead. The Cavaliers’ resilience and composure in the decisive moments ultimately proved to be the difference, as they emerged victorious in an enthralling battle of wills.
With their sights now set on the upcoming clash with N.C. State, Virginia will be looking to build on their hard-earned triumph and continue their quest for glory in the ACC Tournament. The road ahead promises to be challenging, but the Cavaliers will be buoyed by their recent display of character and determination on the court.