Editor’s note: With the coronavirus pandemic forcing the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament, we’re filling the March Madness void by taking a daily look at Syracuse’s most memorable games throughout March and April.

Syracuse, N.Y. ― Virginia’s vaunted defense had squeezed nearly all of the juice out of the Syracuse Orange.

The two ACC rivals were battling in the Elite Eight for a spot in the 2016 NCAA Final Four and the Cavaliers’ defense was winning. Virginia held Syracuse to just 21 points in the first half and held a 54-39 lead with just over nine minutes remaining in the game.

Then came the fullcourt press, a quicker tempo and some life shot back into the Orange. Syracuse staged a miraculous comeback for a 68-62 win to punch its ticket to the Final Four.

Syracuse’s fullcourt press rattled the Cavaliers. Virginia’s 15-point lead shrank to just six points in two minutes. The Orange went on a 21-2 run, which included 14 points from freshman Malachi Richardson.

Richardson’s drive to the basket gave Syracuse a 59-58 lead with 5:49 remaining. On the next possession, Richardson went up for a 3-point shot. Virginia’s Malcolm Brogdon slapped at the ball and got a piece of it, but Richardson recovered and still somehow managed to make the shot for a 62-58 lead.

Syracuse finished off the game at the free throw line. Richardson led the Orange with 23 points. Michael Gbinije and Tyler Lydon each popped in with 11 points.

Other memorable Syracuse games on March 27:

2009: Oklahoma 84, SU 71. Jonny Flynn scored 22 points, but Syracuse didn’t have an answer for Oklahoma star Blake Griffin, who had 30 points and 14 rebounds in the NCAA’s Sweet 16.

Mike Waters is a reporter for the Syracuse Post-Standard and Syracuse.com. Got a comment or idea for a story? He can be reached via email at mwaters@syracuse.com.

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