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It was a little too close for UVa fans in the 2nd half, but the Cavalanche came and the defense stepped up to secure the UVa victory. With the 27th win of the season, the Hoos secured at least a share of the ACC Regular Season for the second straight year!
The offense sputtered along in the first half, while the Hokies continued their torrid 3 point shooting that started during the week in their game against Duke. At the half the Hoos were only up four, 28-24.
The second half was what UVa fans have come to know and love from this Cavaliers team. Strong defense stifled the Virginia Tech attack limiting the Hokies shooting, while the offense was able to break down the VPISU defense.
With 8 minutes left in the second half and the Hoos up 50-44 the Cavalanche finally came. The Hokies cut the lead to 4 with two free throws on their next possession, but would go scoreless for the next four minutes, and would not make another field goal until Ahmed Hill made a three pointer with 1:36 left and UVa up 48-64.
The cherry on top came just after the Hill three pointer as Virginia Tech turned on the full court press. UVa broke the press and found a wide open Darion Atkins under the hoop for a slam and pull up (for a technical).
While the defense was the key as always, UVa's three point shooting continued it's hot streak that began on Wednesday in Winston Salem. Even though Evan Nolte tried his best to bring the percentage down, UVa ended shooting 46% behind the arc thanks to London Perrantes' 3-3 effort (we can't confirm or deny the power of the mask). Perrantes was 4-4 from the field overall, so maybe he should take another day off for good measure.
Anthony Gill also continued to show why he is the unsung hero of this UVa team going 6-8 from the field and 4-5 at the charity stripe. He also threw in an assist, a steal, a block, and five rebounds for good measure.
Hoos return to the court next week as they'll travel to Syracuse. One more win or a Duke loss clinches the outright ACC Regular Season title.