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Virginia player drops quote that shuts down the controversy surrounding Tennessee's win over the Cavaliers in the NCAA Tournament
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Virginia player drops quote that shuts down the controversy surrounding Tennessee's win over the Cavaliers in the NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Zach Ragan  |  Last updated Mar 23, 2026 10:04 AM ET

The Tennessee Vols advanced to the Sweet 16 on Sunday thanks to a 79-72 win over the Virginia Cavaliers.

Tennessee led by just two points with 27 seconds left in the game when the officials gathered to take a look at a crucial play.

The play was a pass that was originally ruled as going out of bounds off Virginia guard Dallin Hall.

After the review, the call was upheld.

It was an extremely close call, and there weren't any angles that clearly showed if the ball touched Hall. So as you can imagine, there were plenty of folks on social media suggesting that Virginia got robbed.

Quote from Dallin Hall quiets the controversy

Hall spoke to reporters after the game and he admitted that the ball went off his fingers.

"It happened pretty quick," said Hall. "I knew it hit me, barely. Unfortunately, it worked out the way it did. It was a super fast play, but there [were] a lot of opportunities and it never comes down to one play."

Ultimately, the officials got the call right, and Hall's refreshing honesty means Tennessee fans won't have to listen to chirping from rival fans that they were gifted a win over Virginia.

The Vols will take on Iowa State next Friday night at 10:10 PM ET in the Sweet 16 in Chicago.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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