FilAm Terrence Hill Jr. Drops 34 Points, Powers VCU Upset Over UNC in NCAA Tournament
GREENVILLE, S.C. — On March 19, 2026, Filipino American guard Terrence Hill Jr. delivered a historic performance, erupting for a game-high 34 points to lead the #11 Virginia Commonwealth Uuniversity (VCU) Rams men’s basketball to an 82–78 overtime victory over #6 the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels men’s basketball in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Hill Jr., a sophomore from Portland, Oregon, led all scorers on both teams and played a pivotal role in one of the most dramatic comebacks in tournament history. VCU trailed by as many as 19 points in the second half before rallying behind Hill’s explosive scoring, including 23 points after halftime and a clutch step-back three-pointer with 15 seconds left in overtime to seal the win.
The VCU standout with a Filipino-heritage, also filled the stat sheet with five rebounds and five assists, showcasing his all-around impact on the national stage.
Hill’s 34-point performance marked the highest scoring output of the game for both VCU and UNC, cementing his breakout moment in March Madness and putting him firmly on the radar as one of the tournament’s rising stars.
The Rams’ victory over a blue-blood program like North Carolina represents a signature win for the program and a defining moment in Hill Jr.’s young career. With the win, VCU advances to the second round, where they are set to face Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball as they continue their tournament run.
Hill Jr.’s performance not only lifted VCU to victory but also highlighted the growing presence of Filipino American talent in Division I basketball, delivering a proud moment for the global FilAm community.
