Virginia beats Long Beach 87-52 to advance to Charleston Classic finals

The Virginia Cavaliers put together their most complete game of the season, crushing Long Beach State 87-52. With the win, UVA improves to 3-1 and advances to the finals of the Charleston Classic where they'll take on George Mason Sunday night.

Marial Shayok scored a career-high 17 points to lead the Hoos, and made 3 of 4 from behind the arc. Answering worries about the team's three point shooting, UVA combined for 13-25 three-point shooting. Devon Hall drilled 4 of his 5 such attempts, while London Perrantes went 3-6. Virginia made 52% of their 3s and 58% of their 2s to finish at a scorching 1.42 PPP. Their 87 points was the team's most since they beat Minnesota 87-79 in 2010.

UVA also played by far its best defensive game of the year, holding Long Beach to 30% two-point shooting (8% in the first half) and .88 PPP overall.  Maryland transfer Nick Faust kept Long Beach in the game, scoring a team-high 13 points. But after cutting UVA's lead to 11-10 midway through the first half, the 49ers allowed a 12-0 Virginia run that effectively iced the game by halftime.

Though he appeared in the starting lineup, Mike Tobey played just 9 minutes, and Jack Salt was on the court after halftime in his place. Evan Nolte also only had a brief, two-minute stint, as Tony Bennett continues to work with the team's rotation. Marial Shayok has likely solidified his hold on a starting lineup spot, and Devon Hall and Isaiah Wilkins, who gave UVA a nice defensive boost, made their cases as well.

Though it was against another overmatched opponent, it was good to see UVA put together a complete game and continue to adjust to a new roster, new rules, and a new season.

Sunday's game against George Mason tips at 9:30 PM and will air on ESPN2.