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The Virginia Cavaliers will be playing in the Elite 8 for the first time since 1995 after dispatching Iowa State in the Sweet 16 on Friday night. The 84-71 victory dispelled any remaining doubts from critics on whether Virginia deserved the No. 1 seed or not.
The Cavaliers jumped out to a quick 14-point lead in the first six minutes of the half, executing the game plan that the rest of us have been talking about all season: jump out to a big early lead and get yourself in a position to control the tempo for the remainder of the game.
Up by as many as 17 points, Virginia led at the half, 45-31, with Georges Niang as advertised, accounting for 15 of Iowa State's 31 points. Niang, who shot 3-5 from beyond the arc.
Cold shooting threatened Virginia's lead early in the second half, but when Niang picked up his fourth foul with over 13 minutes remaining in the game, the Hoos were able push back to a 14 point lead, until a nearly roughly four minute scoring drought gave Iowa State another chance, one the Cyclones were unable to capitalize on.
Dominant wire-to-wire, the Cavaliers put on a dunking clinic to close out the second half. Gill finished the game with 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Tobey put up 18 points and 7 rebounds of his own. Malcolm Brogdon and Isaiah Wilkins also scored in double digits, with 12 points a piece.
Virginia will face the winner of Syracuse and Gonzaga on Sunday in the Elite 8. Stay tuned to STL as we give you ongoing post-game analysis and a preview of the Elite 8. Until then, enjoy the big win.