Top 30 Virginia Sports Moments of 2019: No. 19-15

We’re keeping our Top 30 Virginia Cavaliers sports moment countdown rolling today with moments 19-15!

But first, make sure you’ve checked out our previous two installments:

• Top Moments of 2019: 30-25
• Top Moments of 2019: 24-20

19. UVA Responds to Duke Loss, Wins at UNC

Virginia’s toughest stretch during the regular season came between February 9-11, when the Cavaliers hosted then-second ranked Duke in JPJ before traveling to Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels. Though the Hoos fell to Zion Williamson and the Blue Devils—one of only three losses on the season—to start that two-game gauntlet, they responded quickly in the Dean Dome.

Trailing by seven with under eight minutes remaining, Virginia stormed back to claim a nice 69-61 win, with a 12-2 run, highlighted by Kyle Guy’s three below, to close the game.

18. Football Wins Showdown in Kenan Memorial

Much like the men’s basketball team a season ago, the football team was looking for a big bounce back win in Chapel Hill after losing two of three to Miami and Louisville. After a late game defensive stand, they got just that, holding on for a 38-31 win.

Of the many Bryce Perkins performances we’ve enjoyed over the past two years, this was among his best, as the senior transfer went 30-for-39 on his passing attempts for 378 yards, picked up 112 more yards on the ground, and accounted for five total touchdowns.

Notably, the victory also marked the first time both football and men’s basketball earned wins at Carolina in the same year.

17. Men’s Soccer Claims ACC Tournament Title

Though they were oh-so-close to winning the big one, as noted yesterday, men’s soccer did not leave this season empty-handed. Yes, on Nov. 17, the second-seeded Hoos ousted No. 1 Clemson 3-1 in the ACC tournament title game, scoring three consecutive second half goals to get the win.

16. Dre, Ty, Kyle All Get Selected in NBA Draft

De’Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, and Kyle Guy couldn’t have scripted a better end to their time as student-athletes in Charlottesville. After playing fundamental roles en route to a national championship, the trio all heard their names called in June’s NBA Draft.

Hunter went fourth overall to the Hawks, Jerome went 24th to the Suns, and Guy, who was a fringe selection according to pre-draft projections, was picked up by the Kings 55th overall.

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

We’ll miss these three.

15. Braxton Key Saves The Day

Lost in all of the storylines that came out of April’s national championship game was Braxton Key’s play. In all, the junior transfer recorded ten rebounds, six points, and two assists.

Of course, perhaps none of those contributions were bigger than his game-saving block against Texas Tech’s Jarrett Culver, who attempted a baseline jumper at the end of regulation with the game tied. Key’s block, which followed a potentially disastrous turnover by De’Andre Hunter just moments before, ensured the Hoos would head to overtime for the second time in three games.

We’re back tomorrow with moments 14-11 — how are we doing so far?