Top Virginia Sports Moments: No. 6

We’re all the way down to No. 6 in our Top 30 countdown of the best Virginia Cavaliers sports moments of 2019!

But, before we get to the latest reveal, make sure you’ve seen our previous installments first. Here’s what we’ve gotten to in the top ten so far:

• Top Moments of 2019: 10
• Top Moments of 2019: 9
• Top Moments of 2019: 8
• Top Moments of 2019: 7

6. Dre’s Three Helps Push Championship Game to OT

When De’Andre Hunter muscled in a layup at the 5:46 mark of the second half, extending the Hoos’ lead to eight, things looked good. After all, such a lead for Virginia late in the second half often feels insurmountable.

But this wasn’t any ordinary game. And, in the 2019 NCAA tournament, nothing would come easy.

So, naturally, Texas Tech responded with an 8-0 run, tying things up at 59. Then, minutes later, they’d own a three point advantage with 22 seconds left, following two made free throws from center Norense Odiase.

That left UVA, for a third consecutive game, on the verge of defeat. And, yet again, we were left with with the same, dire question: how could Tony Bennett’s squad possibly get out of this one?

Cue De’Andre Hunter.

Criticized by some for his low scoring outputs throughout tournament play - at least by his standards - the redshirt sophomore stepped up in a big way in the championship game, scoring a game-high 27 points to go along with nine rebounds.

None of those contributions were bigger than his shot near the end of regulation coming off of a Ty Jerome pass (as shown above). Staring down elimination, Hunter, the eventual fourth overall pick in 2019’s NBA Draft, stepped up and made the biggest three of his life, revitalizing UVA’s hopes for a first-ever national title.

Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

An incredible play in what was an incredible game.

Am I the only one getting more and more emotional as we continue to look back on these unforgettable moments?

Anyway, we’ll be back with No. 5 shortly!