The Virginia Cavaliers entered the tournament as the top seed, with a 17–1 conference record (28–2 overall) under the guidance of Tony Bennett.

UVA also began the tournament unanimously ranked number 1 in the country in both major polls.

The Cavaliers defeated Louisville 75–58 and Clemson 64–58 to secure a place in the tournament championship game.

Games were shown on over-the-air television in local media markets by the syndicated ACCN and simulcast nationally on various ESPN cable networks.

Instead, the two teams played the closest game of the first round, with Notre Dame clinging to a two-point lead with less than a minute remaining; however a controversial loose-ball foul against Pitt's Marcus Carr followed by a turnover by Carr allowed Notre Dame to preserve their lead and close out the game 67–64.

[11] The last game of the day featured the 11-seed Syracuse Orange versus the 14-seed Wake Forest Demon Deacons.