The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team stands as the proud representative of the University of Virginia in intercollegiate men's basketball. Since its inception in the 1905–06 season, the team has compiled an impressive all-time record of 1719–1204–1, showcasing a tradition of excellence on the court. Guided by Head Coach Tony Bennett in his 15th season, the Cavaliers continue to make waves in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Affiliated with the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Cavaliers call Charlottesville, Virginia, their home. The John Paul Jones Arena, with a capacity of 14,623, echoes with the cheers of fans supporting the team. The Cavaliers affectionately nicknamed the Wahoos unofficially, boast a dedicated student section known as the Hoo Crew. Under the leadership of Athletic Director Carla Williams, the Virginia Cavaliers uphold a rich legacy, blending history and contemporary prowess on the basketball court.
Virginia College Basketball Championship Wins
The Cavaliers' basketball saga is embellished with triumphant victories and a legacy that echoes through the annals of college basketball history. The Cavaliers have graced the NCAA tournament stage 25 times, amassing a remarkable record of 35–24. Their crowning glory came in 2019 when they clinched the national championship, marking a historic moment for the Virginia basketball program. Below is a table encapsulating Virginia's notable championship wins:
| Championship Type | Number of Wins |
| National Championships | 1 (2019) |
| NIT Championships | 2 |
| ACC Tournament Titles | 3 |
When did Virginia win the College Basketball Championship?
Virginia etched its name in the history books by securing its first NCAA Championship in 2019. The Cavaliers had previously left an indelible mark in the 1981 Final Four, winning the last third-place game ever played. Their journey to greatness includes an impressive track record, having been ranked in the Top 5 of the AP Poll over 100 times since 1980 and earning seven No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament. Virginia stands as the sole ACC program and one of two NCAA programs, to achieve No. 1 seeds in all four regions of the NCAA Tournament.
Virginia College Basketball Championship appearances: How many College Basketball Championship appearances does Virginia have?
Virginia's appearances in the NCAA tournament highlight their consistency and resilience on the court. Under Bennett's leadership, the Cavaliers have achieved milestones, including their first NCAA Tournament Championship in 2019, securing the program's third Final Four appearance, and clinching the second and third ACC Tournament Championships. The table below provides a glimpse into Virginia's tournament appearances:
| Year | Seed/Region | Round | Opponent | Result |
| 1976 | East | First Round | DePaul | L 60–69 |
| 1981 | #1 East | Second Round | #9 Villanova | W 54–40 |
| 1981 | #1 East | Sweet Sixteen | #4 Tennessee | W 62–48 |
| 1981 | #1 East | Elite Eight | #6 BYU | W 74–60 |
| 1981 | #1 East | Final Four | #2 (W) North Carolina | L 65–78 |
| 1981 | #1 East | National Third Place | #1 (MW) LSU | W 78–74 |
| 1982 | #1 Mideast | Second Round | #9 Tennessee | W 54–51 |
| 1982 | #1 Mideast | Sweet Sixteen | #4 UAB | L 66–68 |
| 1983 | #1 West | Second Round | #8 Washington State | W 54–49 |
| 1983 | #1 West | Sweet Sixteen | #4 Boston College | W 95–92 |
| 1983 | #1 West | Elite Eight | #6 NC State | L 62–63 |
| 1984 | #7 East | First Round | #10 Iona | W 58–57 |
| 1984 | #7 East | Second Round | #2 Arkansas | W 53–51OT |
| 1984 | #7 East | Sweet Sixteen | #3 Syracuse | W 63–55 |
| 1984 | #7 East | Elite Eight | #4 Indiana | W 50–48 |
| 1984 | #7 East | Final Four | #2 (MW) Houston | L 47–49OT |
| 1986 | #5 East | First Round | #12 DePaul | L 68–72 |
| 1987 | #5 West | First Round | #12 Wyoming | L 60–64 |
| 1989 | #5 Southeast | First Round | #12 Providence | W 100–97 |
| 1989 | #5 Southeast | Second Round | #13 Middle Tennessee | W 104–88 |
| 1989 | #5 Southeast | Sweet Sixteen | #1 Oklahoma | W 86–80 |
| 1989 | #5 Southeast | Elite Eight | #3 Michigan | L 65–102 |
| 1990 | #7 Southeast | First Round | #10 Notre Dame | W 75–67 |
| 1990 | #7 Southeast | Second Round | #2 Syracuse | L 61–63 |
| 1991 | #7 West | First Round | #10 BYU | L 48–61 |
| 1993 | #6 East | First Round | #11 Manhattan | W 78–66 |
| 1993 | #6 East | Second Round | #3 Massachusetts | W 71–56 |
| 1993 | #6 East | Sweet Sixteen | #2 Cincinnati | L 54–71 |
| 1994 | #7 West | First Round | #10 New Mexico | W 57–54 |
| 1994 | #7 West | Second Round | #2 Arizona | L 58–71 |
| 1995 | #4 Midwest | First Round | #13 Nicholls State | W 96–72 |
| 1995 | #4 Midwest | Second Round | #12 Miami (OH) | W 60–54OT |
| 1995 | #4 Midwest | Sweet Sixteen | #1 Kansas | W 67–58 |
| 1995 | #4 Midwest | Elite Eight | #2 Arkansas | L 61–68 |
| 1997 | #9 West | First Round | #8 Iowa | L 60–73 |
| 2001 | #5 South | First Round | #12 Gonzaga | L 85–86 |
| 2007 | #4 South | First Round | #13 Albany | W 84–57 |
| 2007 | #4 South | Second Round | #5 Tennessee | L 74–77 |
| 2012 | #10 West | First Round | #7 Florida | L 45–71 |
| 2014 | #1 East | Second Round | #16 Coastal Carolina | W 70–59 |
| 2014 | #1 East | Third Round | #8 Memphis | W 78–60 |
| 2014 | #1 East | Sweet Sixteen | #4 Michigan State | L 59–61 |
| 2015 | #2 East | Second Round | #15 Belmont | W 79–67 |
| 2015 | #2 East | Third Round | #7 Michigan State | L 54–60 |
| 2016 | #1 Midwest | First Round | #16 Hampton | W 81–45 |
| 2016 | #1 Midwest | Second Round | #9 Butler | W 77–69 |
| 2016 | #1 Midwest | Sweet Sixteen | #4 Iowa State | W 84–71 |
| 2016 | #1 Midwest | Elite Eight | #10 Syracuse | L 62–68 |
| 2017 | #5 East | First Round | #12 UNC Wilmington | W 76–71 |
| 2017 | #5 East | Second Round | #4 Florida | L 39–65 |
| 2018 | #1 South | First Round | #16 UMBC | L 54–74 |
| 2019 | #1 South | First Round | #16 Gardner–Webb | W 71–56 |
| 2019 | #1 South | Second Round | #9 Oklahoma | W 63–51 |
| 2019 | #1 South | Sweet Sixteen | #12 Oregon | W 53–49 |
| 2019 | #1 South | Elite Eight | #3 Purdue | W 80–75OT |
| 2019 | #1 South | Final Four | #5 (MW) Auburn | W 63–62 |
| 2019 | #1 South | National Championship | #3 (W) Texas Tech | W 85–77OT |
| 2021 | #4 West | First Round | #13 Ohio | L 58–62 |
| 2023 | #4 South | First Round | #13 Furman | L 67–68 |
When did Virginia last appear in the College Basketball Championship?
Virginia's most recent appearance in the College Basketball Championship was in 2023, where they faced a tough battle against Furman in the first round, ultimately falling short with a close score of 67–68. Despite the outcome, Virginia's consistent presence in the tournament reaffirms their enduring commitment to excellence on the court.
Virginia Conferences Wins
Virginia's dominance extends to conference play, with remarkable achievements in the ACC. As of 2023, the Cavaliers boast 12 consecutive winning ACC seasons, the longest active streak among ACC programs. Their accolades in the ACC include 10 regular-season championships and three tournament titles, achieved by defeating formidable opponents like Duke and North Carolina. Virginia's legacy in conference games is further highlighted by their Southern Conference record and regular-season championship in 1922.
FAQ's On Virginia College March Madness Playoff History
A. Virginia has made 25 NCAA tournament appearances, with a record of 35–24, including a national championship in 2019.
A. Virginia clinched its first NCAA Championship in 2019, marking a historic moment for the basketball program.
A. Virginia won one National Championship in 2019 and achieved two NIT Championships and three ACC Tournament Titles.
A. Virginia's most recent appearance was in 2023, facing Furman in the first round and falling short with a score of 67–68.
A. Virginia boasts an impressive all-time record of 1719–1204–1 since the 1905–06 season, showcasing a tradition of excellence.
