March is officially back! Gators survive buzzer-beater from Hokies in First Round thriller

Yahoo Sports College reporter Pete Thamel takes you through Florida’s comeback, overtime win over Virginia Tech, and explains just how sweet it is for the NCAA Tournament to be back after 2 long years.

Video transcript

PETE THAMEL: When we last left the NCAA Tournament-- 710 long days ago-- we were given a parting gift, an overtime victory, Virginia toppling Texas Tech. So it only made sense, when the tournament finally returned-- after it was canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic-- we were greeted again with a wave of warm familiarity.

We had three tense First Four games, including two that went down to the buzzer and another that went into overtime on Thursday night. And on Friday, in the first game of the full 64-team bracket, we were again reminded of the exhilarating thrill of a buzzer-beater. Yes, it's March again, and it feels so good to feel it all over.

Virginia Tech's Nahiem Alleyne sent 10th-seeded Tech's game against number 7 Florida into overtime with a right-wing three-pointer with 1.4 seconds remaining. He swished home a shot that brought back all the feels. Florida went on to hold on in overtime, winning 75-70, behind 19 points from Colin Castleton. Alleyne finished with a career-high 28 for the Hokies.

The Gators advance to the second round. But perhaps, more important, we all got to experience the communal adrenaline rush that can only happen with a March buzzer-beater.