VCU Stuns North Carolina in NCAA Tournament Upset, Largest Comeback in Years

GREENVILLE, N.C. – In a stunning turn of events, the VCU Rams overcame a 19-point second-half deficit to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels 82-78 in overtime during the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday night. The victory marks VCU’s first NCAA tournament win since 2016 and is tied for the seventh-largest comeback in tournament history [1].

Rams Complete Historic Comeback

Terrence Hill Jr. Led the Rams with 34 points, including a crucial stepback 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining in overtime to give VCU an 80-78 lead. Hill finished 7-for-10 from beyond the 3-point line, scoring 20 of his points after halftime [1]. Nyk Lewis added 16 points, sealing the game with two clutch free throws.

The comeback surpassed the largest in the NCAA tournament since 2018, when Nevada overcame a 22-point deficit against Cincinnati [1].

Tar Heels Fall Short After Strong Start

Henri Veesaar led North Carolina with 26 points and 10 rebounds, but the Tar Heels struggled after losing star Caleb Wilson to a season-ending injury [1]. North Carolina is now 33-4 in the round of 64, but has lost three of its last five games in that round dating back to 2021.

In overtime, Seth Trimble briefly gave UNC a lead with a free throw, but Hill’s subsequent 3-pointer shifted the momentum. Veesaar had a chance to tie the game with free throws in the final seconds, but missed the first and intentionally missed the second, which failed to fall. Lewis then secured the victory with two more free throws.

Key Moments and Game Flow

North Carolina built a commanding 19-point lead with 15 minutes left in the second half. Yet, VCU responded with a relentless attack, tying the game at 75 with a driving layup by Hill with just 11 seconds remaining. A turnover by Veesaar in the final seconds of regulation gave VCU a chance to win, but the Rams were unable to convert before overtime.

Looking Ahead

VCU (28-7) will advance to face the winner of the matchup between No. 14 Penn and No. 3 Illinois in the second round on Saturday [1]. North Carolina finishes the season with a 25-8 record.