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Virginia’s reign as national champion has been extended by one year thanks to COVID-19.
But his title defense didn’t last long once the NCAA tournament play resumed. The No. 13 seed, Ohio, stunned the fourth-seeded Cavaliers on Saturday, sending Virginia home without a win at this year’s NCAA tournament.
The Bobcats did it without a big goal night from star goaltender Jason Preston as junior forward Ben Vander Plas paced Ohio in a 62-58 upset.
After taking a 28-27 lead at halftime, Virginia looked set to pull away when she took a 38-31 lead near the middle of the second period. But Ohio jumped up with a 16-2 run to take a 47-40 lead that it wouldn’t give up.
The Cavaliers did not fall without a fight. Virginia recovered from a 58-51 deficit with 25 seconds left with a steal and a pair of 3s while reducing the Ohio lead to 60-58. But Ohio was unfazed by the free throw line as Preston, Mark Sears and Lunden McDay combined to go 6 for 6 to the strip in the final 44 seconds of the game, ensuring Virginia couldn’t finish the rally. late. The Bobcats made 13 of 14 free throw attempts for the game.
Vander Plas led Ohio’s goal effort with 17 points along with five rebounds and four assists. All-MAC guard Preston did a lot of damage in the box’s score with 11 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.
The game was played at Virginia’s slow, low pace, as head coach Tony Bennet’s team usually guarantees. Ohio has dropped nearly 19 points off its 80.9-point average throughout the season. But he beat Virginia at his own game.
The Bobcats limited the Cavaliers to 35% shooting from the field and 8 of 31 (25.8%) effort from a distance of 3 points. It was enough to overcome their own performance of 42% on the pitch.
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