Wahoo Wire

Courtesy of VirginiaSports.com

The Men’s basketball team came out with a big win Tuesday night, 70-58, in their ACC/BigTen Challenge game against the 14^th ranked Michigan Wolverines. The setting was perfect for a Wahoo win as both fans and students filled JPJ with excitement and enthusiasm, by far the most thus far, to root on the ‘Hoos against their first ranked opponent this season.

UVA began the game with intensity, the ‘Hoos won the tip off and Sammy Zeglinski put the first points on the board by sinking a three point shot. The Wolverines were quick to counter and took the lead for much of the first half. Defense marked the first 20 minutes with both teams forcing 6 turnovers. Mike Scott led the Cavaliers in points during the first half, scoring eight. Tim Hardaway Jr., expected to be the biggest threat to the Wahoos offensively, sat most of the first half after receiving two early fouls. The teams entered the locker room at halftime with UVA leading by one, 24-23.

However, the game changed in favor of the Cavaliers during the second half. After trailing 41-38 with 12 minutes left to play, UVA began to control the momentum of the game and took an offensive burst with a 15-0 run. The run began with a three pointer by Joe Harris and freshman Malcom Brogdon, who scored a career high 16 points, contributed 8 points to the run.  Senior Mike Scott scored 18 points and snagged 11 rebounds for the ‘Hoos, padding his double-double average on the year.  Joe Harris’ defensive efforts made Tim Hardaway Jr., who returned during the second half, ineffective for the Wolverines as he only scored five points.  Sammy Zeglinski led UVA with 6 out of the 16 team assists, their largest total since their season opening tilt against South Carolina State. The Cavaliers also out-rebounded Michigan 36-26 which was indicative of the dominance inside of Scott and the rest of the ‘Hoos throughout. The win advances the Wahoos record to 6-1.

After the game Coach Tony Bennett commented on the defensive job the Cavaliers did throughout the game. “The team played good defense. I was happy with the individual defense given by Joe [Harris], but if Hardaway got out of his alley, the team was there to pick him up”

When asked about the significance Michigan’s ranking had on the attitude of the team coming into Tuesday’s game Coach Bennett said he told his team to, “want to win more than you fear losing”.

The Cavaliers take on the Longwood Lancers this Saturday at 1:00 PM at John Paul Jones Arena.