X (Twitter): @TreyKelleher3 (https://twitter.com/treykelleher3)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: UVA (-7.5) VS. LOUISVILLE
There have been a handful of incredible halves in the Tony Bennett era for Virginia. Holding Rutgers to 8 points in the second half in 2014 after trailing 18-17 at halftime, allowing only 27 points in a whole game vs. Harvard also in 2014; 8 in the first half and 19 in the second, and I will never forget the time UVA traveled to Pitt and held them to only 7 points in the first half in 2018.
Saturday's first half against Louisville (6-14, 1-8 ACC) will be added to the list for sure as Virginia trotted to the locker room with a 41-13 lead. UVA (15-5, 6-3 ACC) was tremendous on the defensive end allowing the Cardinals to make only 4 first half fields and forced them into shooting a horrid 20% from the floor. Offensively the Cavaliers looked stellar as well, 16-28 (57%) from the floor, 4-9 (44% from 3pt) and made 5 out of their 6 free throws. They moved the ball very well, had a healthy balance of points in the paint and outside of the paint, and got some form of scoring from each of the starters. That is called efficiency.
The game was never in doubt in the second half, but Kenny Payne's squad did show some signs of life. The Cavaliers chance of winning never dropped below 98.8% in the second half, but the defense was moving slower and mistakes were being made on the offensive end. Just a sloppy half, but I wouldn't read too much into that.
Probably the most impressive stats of the game include Louisville's top two scores shooting 2-14 from the field. Reece Beekman, Isaac McKneely, Andrew Rhode, Taine Murray, Jordan Minor, Dante Harris, and Ryan Dunn all played a part in this. Mike James averages just below 14 points a game and shoots 43% from the field. He was 1-8 on the day (12.5%). Skyy Clark averages 13.2 points a game and shoots 38.1% from the floor. He was 1-6 (16.7%).
Fun Stat: UVA has scored 40+ points in a half in 3 of its last 4 games. Offense!
Player of the Game: Ryan Dunn had his second straight double-double, and his fifth of the season. 19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, and few dunks where I thought he may break the glass on the backboard.
Next Up: UVA will try to extend its home winning streak to 22 games as they face Notre Dame on Wednesday @ 7pm. Go Hoos!
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