The stage had been set. The Virginia Cavaliers were in complete control, imposing their efficient brand of basketball on the Syracuse Orange. In the first half, they assisted on 11 of their 12 made field goals. They made 48 percent of their shots and that's with an 0-6 start from the field. London Perrantes sunk five three pointers, each one feeling like a bigger and bigger dagger into the heart of Syracuse's season. Virginia led 35-21 at halftime.
Not much changed in the early stages of the second half. Syracuse inched closer a few times, only to see the experienced Cavaliers calmly and swiftly snuff out all of their runs.