Syracuse Orange vs Virginia Cavaliers — Elite Eight 2016

About This Game

Defense and determination carried Syracuse past top-seeded Virginia in a gritty East Regional Final. The stats reveal a defensive struggle: both teams labored from the field, with Syracuse making just 15 field goals on 56 attempts (26.8%) and Virginia slightly better at 14 makes on 47 (29.8%). Yet the Orange engineered an upset by winning the pressure battle, forcing 13 Virginia turnovers while committing just eight. The crucial edge came at the free throw line, where Syracuse's aggressive defense earned rewards: 20 made free throws to Virginia's 10—a six-point swing that ultimately decided the 68-62 outcome. Trailing by 16 early in the second half, Syracuse completed a remarkable comeback powered by Malachi Richardson's explosive 21-point eruption after halftime. Gbinije and Lydon each contributed 11 points in a balanced effort that emphasized getting to the line over forcing three-pointers, while Roberson's 10 points and eight rebounds provided steady interior play. This tournament run rewarded discipline and poise—qualities etched permanently in a custom Gameprint, where every possession reveals how the Orange's relentless pressure and free throw precision authored one of March's finest upsets.

Game highlights: Malachi Richardson scores 21 of 23 points in second-half surge; Syracuse forces 13 turnovers while dominating free throw line 20-10; 10-seed defeats top-seed in low-scoring defensive battle; Orange overcome 16-point halftime deficit to reach Final Four