Twelfth-ranked Cavaliers flexed their muscles tonight against USC Upstate in the John Paul Jones Arena, with the 'Hoos triumphing 110-63 over South Carolina Upstate on their road to the Final Four.
Chelsea Shine was the force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court, as she led the Cavaliers with a career-high 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots. Meanwhile, teammates Simone Egwu and Monica Wright, ACC Preseason Player of the Year and AP Preseason All-American, each made hefty contributions, with 19 points a piece. Monica also led the team with 6 steals and 5 assists.
Virginia head coach Debbie Ryan, now in her 33rd season, coached her 1,000th game on the sidelines after notching career win No. 700 in the season-opener on Nov. 13 at UMBC. Her career record now stands at 702-298.
"I was hoping that we would come in to this game and focus on the task at hand," Ryan said. "I did not want us thinking about the future or the past, I just wanted us to stay with USC Upstate. I thought our team did a good job of focusing."
USC Upstate falls to 2-1, after having won their season opener 78-47 over North Greenville, and defeating Longwood on Monday, 71-59.
The Lady Cavaliers improve to 3-0 and get ready for a clash of titans on Sunday at 4:00pm against Tennessee and the Lady Vols. In an effort to set a new UVa single-game attendance record, the contest between the Cavaliers and Lady Vols is Hot Dog Day and every fan in attendance will receive a coupon for a free Gwaltney hot dog and a 12-ounce Pepsi.