ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 16: Garrett Hien #13 and Jalen Slawson #20 of the Furman Paladins celebrate near the end of their game against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 16, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Furman won 68-76.

No. 13 Furman upsets Virginia in Paladins' 1st NCAA tourney game in 43 years

3 years ago

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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?! 😨

FURMAN WITH THE STEAL AND 3 TO TAKE THE LEAD WITH 2.2 SECONDS REMAINING #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/fSCNKUzboq
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2023

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.