No. 13 Furman upsets Virginia in Paladins' 1st NCAA tourney game in 43 years
Furman marked its return to the Big Dance in a big way, upsetting No. 4 seed Virginia 68-67 on Thursday in its first NCAA Tournament matchup in 43 years.
Paladins guard JP Pegues nailed the go-ahead triple with 2.2 seconds remaining after a turnover from Virginia floor general Kihei Clark.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! 😨
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2023
FURMAN WITH THE STEAL AND 3 TO TAKE THE LEAD WITH 2.2 SECONDS REMAINING #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/fSCNKUzboq
The 13th-seeded Furman rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit with the help of Jalen Slawson, who registered 19 points, 10 boards, and four assists.
The Paladins outscored the Cavaliers 30-6 from beyond the arc.
Reece Beekman had 14 points, five boards, five assists, and two steals for the Cavaliers in a losing cause.
Virginia has been upset by a 13-seed in the Round of 64 in each of its past two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Furman will play San Diego State or Charleston on Saturday for a berth in the Sweet 16.