The Cavaliers (18-7) could not attempt a repeat last season because of the coronavirus pandemic, and almost had this season’s trip derailed after virus issues forced the team to withdraw from the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament last week. Virginia only arrived in Indiana on Friday, one day before its matchup with the Bobcats (17-7), who won the Mid-American Conference tournament. Still, Virginia passed the necessary tests and were cleared to play.
Ohio was a popular upset pick because of Virginia’s nine-day pause and because of Preston, whom ESPN’s Jay Bilas compared with Charlotte Hornets scorer LaMelo Ball. Preston finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.