Absolute insanity. Virginia was the first top seed to lose to a 16-seed at March Madness. UMBC, who had just slipped into the tournament through a buzzerbeater in the final of their conference, clearly defeated the towering favourite with 74:54.
Top scorer: Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome (15) – Jairus Lyles (28)
The spectators at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte witnessed how history was written. Never before had a team seeded 16 survived the first round – to this day. UMBC, which means University of Maryland-Baltimore County, went down in history books and put its fans in delirium.
Horror on the other hand. Virginia, who was one of the favourites for the title, was consumed by the underdog at the nose ring through the ring. It was a demonstration, after both teams scarcely scored anything in the first half and disappeared into the cabin with a meagre 21:21 half-time score.
But then it happened: Led by Guard Jairus Lyles (28 points, 23 in halftime two), the Retrievers exploded, the lead grew and one wondered when the expected comeback of the top-seed would begin. Only it never came. The lead grew quickly in double figures, the Cavaliers had no solution at hand.
The sensation was approaching and the Retrievers’ players believed in their historic opportunity. In contrast to earlier underdogs, they not only played the clock down bluntly, but continued to attack and always scored points on the scoreboard. The underdog scored 54.2 percent of her throws, plus 12 potted threesomes.
The cavaliers’ faces became longer and longer, about two minutes before the end it was certain. After 135 successful trials, a top seed had to cancel its sails for the first time against a 16-seed. UMBC now face 9-Seed Kansas State in round two.