Virginia (28-1,16-1) has clinched its back to back ACC Title. They become the first team not named North Carolina or Duke to win consecutive ACC Titles since NC State in 1972-1973, and the Cavs also become the first team outside the state of North Carolina do complete this feat.
It wasn’t always pretty for the Virginia tonight. They scored just 2 points in the first 12 minutes of the game but were about to keep it close because of their defensive intensity. Virginia, who averages just fewer than 9 turnovers a game, had 10 turnovers alone in that time span. Virginia took the lead at 21-20 and never looked back.
It was another balanced effort from Virginia who is still without leading scorer Justin Anderson. Anthony Gill was one of four Cavaliers who scored in double digits and led the way with 17.
Syracuse (18-12, 9-8), who was honoring Senior Rakeem Christmas on senior night, could not take advantage of the Cavaliers' slow start. Despite being ineligible for postseason play, the Orange have still played inspired basketball for Jim Boeheim. Trevor Cooney led the way for Syracuse but just shot 2-8 from three-point land.
Virginia could get a huge boost as Justin Anderson may return for their next game. They were hopeful that Anderson would be able to return for the ACC tournament but it looks like he is progressing well and could return a week earlier than originally planned.
The Cavaliers have bigger goals then winning the ACC tournament. They would like nothing more then to return to the Carrier Dome in a few weeks as that’s where the East regional semi-finals and finals will take place. The East region is ideally where Virginia would like to be placed because it’s regional site is closest to its campus.
Virginia will conclude its regular season with a tilt at Louisville and Syracuse will play its last game of the year in Raleigh against NC State.