Virginia Rolls Past Clemson in Semis, Will Face Duke in ACC Title Game

The No. 2 seed Virginia Cavaliers (25-6) defeated the No. 3 seed Clemson Tigers (23-10) 76-56 in the semifinals of the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament on Friday night at Greensboro Coliseum. UVA advances to face No. 4 seed Duke in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday at 8:30pm. 

Jayden Gardner led the Cavaliers with a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double. Armaan Franklin joined Gardner in double figures with 16 points and Kihei Clark had 13 points, three rebounds, and four assists. 

Virginia shot 50.0% from the floor, while holding Clemson to 35.8% shooting. UVA had a 40-22 advantage in points in the paint and outrebounded Clemson 38-35. 

Virginia held Clemson scoreless for a near eight-minute stretch spanning halftime, allowing the Cavaliers to score 14-straight points. UVA ended up going on a 21-2 run, turning a four-point game into a 23-point lead for Virginia. The Tigers would never get closer than 14 points in the second half as the Hoos rolled to the 20-point victory. 

Virginia advances to the ACC Tournament Championship Game for the 10th time in program history. UVA is seeking its fourth ACC Tournament title and first since 2018. 

Virginia will face No. 4 seed Duke in the ACC Tournament Championship Game on Saturday at 8:30pm at Greensboro Coliseum.