Wahoo Wire

John Paul Jones Arena— Virginia started off hot and never looked back as the Men’s basketball team dominated the Longwood Lancers on Saturday in an 86-53 victory.

The Cavaliers (7-1) started the game on a 14-2 run to take the early lead, and although the Lancers (3-5) were able to cut the score to 20-17 in the middle of the first half, the Cavaliers lead the entire game. This was a game of runs for the Cavaliers as they ended the first half on a 23-7 run as well as a 30-13 run during the second half.

The Cavaliers dominated more than just the scoreboard. Virginia outscored Longwood 40-22 in points in the paint, 17-5 in points off turnovers, and 17-0 in 2^nd chance points. Rebounding was a disaster for the Lancers as Virginia was able to outrebound Longwood 44-23.

Individually, forward Mike Scott was a perfect 6-6 from the field and ended with 20 points to go along with his 9 rebounds. Joe Harris and Sammy Zeglinski, who missed the first few games with an injury, also contributed 13 and 14 points, respectively. Coach Tony Bennett said after the game that Zeglinski’s foot felt “better” and that he should be fine going forward.

Coach Bennett explained after the game that he thought that his team played a good game defensively other than a few defensive lapses. “We talked about ‘don’t let down’ [defensively]” said Bennett. Longwood’s Antwaan Carter was the only Lancer able to get into an offensive rhythm as he torched Virginia for 17 points.

The Cavaliers who have been strong defensively all year showed their offensive firepower with 86 points, one of the highest point totals in the Tony Bennett era. At times, the Lancers looked awful defensively, allowing some very easy baskets as well as two dunks for Virginia’s Joe Harris, the first and second career dunks for the sophomore.

The Cavaliers take on George Mason at John Paul Jones on Tuesday. This will be their final game before the team receives a long hiatus from games also referred to as a “Finals break”. It will be Coach Bennett’s responsibility to keep the team focused and motivated as they go through the easiest part of their schedule in December. The Cavaliers do not start ACC play until January 7 at home against Miami.