LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ty Jerome’s 3-pointer was memorable not only for its timing, but because it marked one of the few Virginia made against Oregon.
Jerome gave the Cavaliers a three-point lead with 3:34 remaining, and then they used their trademark defense to smother the Ducks and make it stand.
No. 1 seed Virginia reached its second regional final in four years with a 53-49 victory over 12th-seeded Oregon on Thursday night in the NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers face third-seeded Purdue in the South Regional finals Sunday for a trip to the Final Four.
The Cavaliers (32-3) shot 36 percent and matched a season low in scoring, but got baskets when needed to outlast the Ducks (25-13). Jerome’s 3 was the biggest as he took Kihei Clark’s pass and converted from deep to make it 48-45.
A follow-up from behind the arc would have been even better for the junior guard, who obviously wanted breathing room in a tight defensive game.
“Honestly, right now I’m just thinking about the one I missed after that,” said Jerome, who scored 13 points and made 3 of 8 from long range and 5 of 12 overall. “That would have really sealed the game.”
Of his clutch shot, Jerome added, “We started doing a better job of moving. Kihei (Clark) found me in the right spot, and I think Dre (Hunter) or Mamadi (Diakite) set a great screen. I think they did a great job of finding me in the right spot.”
Virginia clamped down from there holding Oregon scoreless for more than five minutes after the Ducks went ahead, 45-42, on Louis King’s 3 with 5:43 left.