March Madness: Impact of UMBC’s historic upset over Virginia

How the game went

Both teams scored 21 points in the first 20 minutes of the game, which probably was how both teams wanted it. Virginia wants these games to always be low-scoring, but the team’s style of play rarely makes it a blowout in the first half. For UMBC, it shortened the game to just 20 minutes, which is simply what 16 seeds can ask for.

The first five minutes of the second half was crucial to this upset, with the Retrievers scoring the first eight points to set the tone. The Cavalier’s slow style of play can be a double-edged sword because it’s hard for them to come back from a double-digit lead. Their defense also prevented the comeback, unable to guard the penetration of Lyles and KJ Maura, which set up 12 made three-pointers for UMBC.

In the final few minutes, Virginia attempted to steal the ball, which allowed UBMC to get several more scores, which propelled them to the historic 74-54 upset. Lyles led all scorers in the game with 28 points on 9/11 shooting. Maura had 10 points but just two giveaways, while down low Arkel Lamar had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Virginia had the kind of stat line that they usually give their opponents. They shot 41% from the field and made 4/22 from three-point range. The number four is also the same for the number of free throws made, out of eight attempts.

Kyle Guy had a good game from the box score, with 15 points on 7/11 shooting. But he also made several crucial mistakes in crunch time, while getting destroyed by Lyles on the other end. Ty Jerome was the other Cavalier in double figures with 15 as well, but Devon Hall picked the worst time to have his worst game, going 1/9 (0/6 from deep) shooting for two points, one assist and one board. It’s a disappointing end for a great senior season for him.