Breakthrough Season Led Cavaliers to NCAA Tournament

OMAHA, Neb. -- With 92 seconds left and the outcome long since decided Friday, Tony Bennett sent Doug Browman and Akil Mitchell into the game, and fifth-year seniors Sammy Zeglinski and Mike Scott walked off the court for the final time as UVa men's basketball players.

Each slowly made his way down the bench, exchanging hugs and handshakes with teammates and coaches.

This was not the exit either had hoped for. But in the program's first NCAA tournament appearance in five years, the Cavaliers unraveled in the second half against the taller, deeper, more athletic and more talented Florida Gators.

The Wahoos' progress has been pronounced under Bennett. They were coming off a 10-18 season when he replaced Dave Leitao the spring of 2009. Virginia finished 15-16 in 2009-10 and 16-15 last season.

In year No. 3 of the Bennett era, the 'Hoos posted their most victories since 1994-95, when they won 25 games. Picked fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference, UVa made the prognosticators look good, finishing tied for fourth with NC State and Miami. But the year was anything but routine for the Cavaliers.

They opened practice in October with 11 scholarship players, one of whom, freshman swingman Paul Jesperson, entered the season planning to redshirt. But after two players decided to transfer in December, Virginia no longer had the luxury of redshirting Jesperson. He made his college debut two days after Christmas. Bennett did not have nine scholarship players for long. On Jan. 19, starting center Assane Sene fractured a bone in his right ankle, and the 7-0 senior never returned to action this season.

On Feb. 11, Harris, the team's second-leading scorer, broke a bone in his non-shooting hand in a game at North Carolina. Harris played the rest of the season with his left hand heavily wrapped, a display of toughness that won the admiration of his teammates and coaches, but his effectiveness, not surprisingly, dipped.

Finally, sixth man Malcolm Brogdon, a 6-5 freshman, had major foot surgery late last month. With Brogdon out, Bennett had seven healthy scholarship players for the final two regular-season games, the ACC tournament and the NCAAs.

"A lot did happen," Bennett said Friday when asked about the tumultuous season, "and I haven't been part of something quite like this, just with the numbers. The way this ended was hard ... I really appreciate what Sammy and Mike contributed to the program and what they stood for. There's no greater thing for a coach than to see the young men, the light come on for them and get it and mature off the court, and then have them reach a goal of theirs, as far as getting to the [NCAA] tournament. Now, certainly we wanted to play better and do well, but it was a privilege to be part of that for them."

Sophomore Joe Harris added, "for the guys that are returning, we'll build on this. This loss will be motivation for us in the offseason. I think these guys [seniors] set up the foundation for what we want the Virginia program to be."

-Excerpts from article by Jeff White, VirginiaSports.com (Link to full article)

UVa Plays Florida in NCAA Tournament on Friday

 

Click the picture above to watch: Sights and sounds from the trip to Omaha, the pre-tournament press conference, and shoot around at CenturyLink Center.

 UVa head coach Tony Bennett and members of the Virginia team met with media representatives late Thursday morning (March 15) at CenturyLink Center and then had a 40-minute practice session starting at noon Central time.   

More pictures in the photo gallery: Click here to view 

OMAHA, Neb.-The Virginia men's basketball team plays its first NCAA Tournament game since 2007 on Friday (March 16) in Omaha, Neb., when the Cavaliers play Florida in a second round game in the West Region at CenturyLink Center Omaha. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:10 p.m. Eastern time.

UVa is the No. 10 seed in the West Region and enters the game with an overall record of 22-9. Virginia finished 9-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference and tied for fourth in the conference standings during the regular season. The Cavaliers are coming off a 67-64 loss to NC State in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament March 9 in Atlanta, Ga.

Florida is the No. 7 seed and brings an overall record of 23-10 into Friday's game. The Gators are coming off a 74-71 loss to Kentucky in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament March 10 in New Orleans, La.

The winner of the Virginia-Florida game will meet either No. 2 seed Missouri or No. 15 seed Norfolk State in the third round.

The Virginia Sports Radio Network and Westwood One will broadcast Friday's Virginia-Florida game. TNT will televise the game.

Virginia is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007 when the Cavaliers advanced to the second round in Columbus, Ohio. UVa was a No. 4 seed in the South Region that season and defeated Albany 84-57 in the first round before losing 77-74 to Tennessee in the second round.

This is Virginia's 17th NCAA Tournament appearance and the Cavaliers have compiled an overall record of 22-16 in the tournament. UVa advanced to the NCAA Tournament's Final Four in 1981 and 1984.

Wahoos Are Going Dancing

 Click above to watch: The men's basketball team and staff watch as Virginia is announced as a part of the NCAA Tournament field.

Click to watch: Jontel Evans and Mike Scott make good on their promises to cut their hair after Virginia received a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

CHARLOTTESVILLE - The first group of players entered the Courtside Club at John Paul Jones Arena around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, a half-hour before the NCAA tournament selection show would begin on CBS.

Those 30 minutes could have not passed much more slowly for members of the UVa men's basketball team. It didn't get any easier for the Cavaliers once the show began.

"It was nerve-wracking," All-ACC forward Mike Scott said. "Jitters. It was all of the above. It was crazy."

"Too much tension," said assistant coach Jason Williford, who as a UVa player in the '90s made three trips to the NCAAs.

A large screen had been set up along one wall of the room, and on a couch in front of it sat head coach Tony Bennett, with Scott to his left and Sammy Zeglinski to his right.

"I could feel the electricity," Bennett said. "You could feel the nervousness and the excitement and the anticipation [of Scott and Zeglinski] before our name was called, because they've been through a lot."

When the show began, Bennett said later, he was "cool, calm and collected." That changed as the first bracket, for the South Region, was revealed, with no mention of UVa.

"I could feel Mike and Sammy, and I was listening to them sighing and going, 'Oh, come on,' " Bennett said with a smile. "And that started getting me a little anxious."

The Wahoos didn't have to wait too long. About 20 minutes into the show, the bracket for the West Region was revealed, and the 'Hoos could finally exhale. For the first time since 2007, they're headed to the NCAA tournament.

In its opening game, No. 10 seed Virginia (22-9) will meet No. 7 seed Florida (23-10) in Omaha, Neb., at 2:10 p.m. (Eastern) Friday. TNT will televise the game. The winner will meet No. 2 seed Missouri or No. 15 seed Norfolk State on Sunday.

When the pairing was announced, the room erupted in cheers, and hugs and handshakes were exchanged. For a team that has faced more than its share of adversity this season -- UVa heads into the NCAAs with only seven healthy scholarship players -- this was no small feat.

"It was amazing, man," junior point guard Jontel Evans said of seeing UVa in the bracket. "This team worked so hard in the offseason. We've been through a lot of ups and downs. We have a new season now, and we're just trying to make the best of it."

Zeglinski said: "It means everything. We've come a long way from my first year. It's been a long time coming."

Article by Jeff White from VirginiaSports.com

View the full article here

 

2012 ACC Tournament: 'Hoos Prepare for Trip to Atlanta

Click below to watch a trailer for the 2012 ACC Tournament in Atlanta

...On Friday in Atlanta, site of the 59th ACC tournament, the Wahoos will get another opportunity to end nearly two decades of frustration [for UVa in the ACC Tournament].

"It's Act 3 of the season," Bennett said Monday on the ACC coaches' teleconference. Act 1, he said, was the non-conference portion of UVa's schedule; Act 2, league play.

Virginia, which went 9-7 in ACC games, won a tiebreaker with Miami and NC State for the tourney's No. 4 seed, which carries with it a first-round bye.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Friday, in the second ACC quarterfinal, UVa (22-8) will meet No. 5 seed NC State or No. 12 seed Boston College at Philips Arena.

UVa played each team once during the regular season. On Jan. 26 at John Paul Jones Arena, Virginia pulled away for a 66-49 win over BC. Two nights later, at the RBC Center, the 'Hoos held on for a 61-60 victory over the Wolfpack.

Most, if not all, bracketologists, including ESPN's Joe Lunardi, project UVa as part of the NCAA tournament field.

"I'm hopeful," Bennett said, "but never assume anything for sure."

And so the Cavaliers will head to Atlanta looking to enhance their postseason résumé. Not only would a win Friday send the 'Hoos to the ACC semifinals for the first time since 1995, it would strengthen their case for an at-large invitation to the NCAAs.

"We just want to keep playing good ball," Bennett said.

-Excerpts from article by Jeff White, VirginiaSports.com

Coach Bennett & Mike Scott Receive District Honors

Courtesy: VirginiaSports.com

Release: 03/06/2012

CHARLOTTESVILLE-Virginia men's head basketball coach Tony Bennett is the U. S. Basketball Writers Association 2011-12 District III Coach of the Year and UVa senior forward Mike Scott (Chesapeake, Va.) is a member of the USBWA's All-District III Team.

It is the second USBWA District Coach of the Year honor for Bennett. He was named the District IX Coach of the Year in 2007 when he was the head coach at Washington State. That same year he was the USBWA's National Coach of the Year after leading Washington State to a 26-8 record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. 

Bennett, in his third year as the men's head basketball coach at Virginia, led the Cavaliers to an overall record of 22-8 and a 9-7 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference during the 2011-12 regular season. UVa finished fourth in the ACC regular-season standings.

The Cavaliers' 9-7 ACC record marks the first time Virginia has finished regular-season ACC play with a winning record since going 11-5 in 2006-07. UVa's 22 regular-season wins are the most in a regular season for the Cavaliers since the 1982-83 team won 25. Virginia also won nine road/neutral site games for the first time since the 1990-91 team won 10.

Bennett's three Virginia teams have compiled an overall record of 53-39. He was the head coach at Washington State for three years before coming to UVa. His Washington State teams compiled an overall record of 69-33 and participated in the NCAA Tournament twice, reaching the Sweet 16 in 2008.

The 6-8 Scott, who earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors this season, is averaging 17.9 points and 8.3 rebounds a game, while shooting 57.3 percent (200-349) from the field and 81.4 percent (131-161) from the free-throw line. He ranks first among ACC players in field goal percentage, second in scoring, tied for fifth in rebounding and fifth in free throw percentage.

Scott also leads all active ACC players in career points scored (1,500) and rebounds (928). He is the 33rd player in ACC history to record 1,500 career points and 900 career rebounds.

Scott has been named the ACC Player of the Week four times this season. He is the first Virginia player to earn the honor four times in one season. Barry Parkhill (1971-72), Ralph Sampson (1982-83), Bryant Stith (1989-90) and Norman Nolan (1997-98) all were named ACC Player of the Week three times in a season.

Scott has also received third-team Sporting News All-America honors this season.

Mike Scott & Jontel Evans Receive ACC Honors

 CHARLOTTESVILLE-Virginia senior forward Mike Scott (Chesapeake, Va.) is a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection for the 2011-12 season and UVa junior guard Jontel Evans (Hampton, Va.) is a member of the ACC's All-Defensive Team. Scott, who finished second in the balloting, is the first Virginia player to earn first-team All-ACC honors since Sean Singletary in 2008.

The 6-8 Scott is averaging 17.9 points and 8.3 rebounds a game, while shooting 57.3 percent (200-349) from the field and 81.4 percent (131-161) from the free-throw line. He ranks first among ACC players in field goal percentage, second in scoring, tied for fifth in rebounding and fifth in free throw percentage. Scott also leads all active ACC players in career points scored (1,500) and rebounds (928). He is the 33rd player in ACC history to record 1,500 career points and 900 career rebounds. Scott has been named the ACC Player of the Week four times this season. He is the first Virginia player to earn the honor four times in one season. Barry Parkhill (1971-72), Ralph Sampson (1982-83), Bryant Stith (1989-90) and Norman Nolan (1997-98) all were named ACC Player of the Week three times in a season.

Evans spearheads a Virginia defense that is among the national leaders in several categories. He ranks fourth in the conference in steals with an average of 1.6 steals a game. The 5-11 Evans also averages 7.3 points, 3.8 assists and 2.0 rebounds a game. He has scored in double figures in six of the Cavaliers last eight games.

Cavaliers Conclude Regular Season with Overtime Win at Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, Md.-Senior forward Mike Scott scored a career-high 35 points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds to lead Virginia to a 75-72 overtime victory over Maryland in an Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball game at Comcast Center Sunday afternoon (March 4). The game was the final regular-season game for both teams.

Senior guard Sammy Zeglinski tied his season high with 20 points for the Cavaliers and he had six rebounds.

Sophomore guard Terrell Stoglin led Maryland with 25 points. Senior guard Sean Mosley added a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and freshman guard Nick Faust scored 13 points for the Terrapins.

With the victory Virginia finished the regular season with an overall record of 22-8 and a 9-7 record in the ACC. The victory clinched the fourth seed for the Cavaliers in the upcoming ACC Tournament.
Virginia's 22 regular-season wins are the most for the Cavaliers since the 1982-83 team won 25 regular-season games.

UVa is ranked 24th in this week's Associated Press poll.

Scott's double-double was his ninth of the season and the 33rd of his career. He moved into 16th place on UVa's career scoring list with 1,500 points and is the 33rd player in ACC history to record 1,500 career points and 900 career rebounds (928).

It was UVa's first overtime game of the season and snapped a streak of four consecutive losses in overtime games, all to ACC opponents.

Virginia opens play in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday (March 9) at 2pm (ESPN2/ACC Network/ESPN3) vs the winner of the 5/12 game between NC State and Boston College on Thursday (March 8).

Cavaliers Hosts Florida State in Final Regular-Season Home Game

Click the picture above to watch Head Coach Tony Bennett preview Senior Night and the upcoming game with Florida State.

CHARLOTTESVILLE-The Virginia men's basketball team plays its final home game of the 2011-12 regular season on Thursday night (March 1) when the Cavaliers host Florida State in an Atlantic Coast Conference game at John Paul Jones Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.

UVa enters the game with an overall record of 21-7 and an 8-6 record in the ACC. The Cavaliers are coming off a 54-51 loss to North Carolina at JPJA last Saturday (Feb. 25) that ended a two-game Virginia winning streak.

Virginia seniors Mike Scott, Assane Sene and Sammy Zeglinski will be recognized before the game at 6:45 p.m.

Florida State enters Thursday's game with an overall record of 19-9 and a 10-4 record in the ACC. The Seminoles are coming off a 78-62 loss at Miami on Sunday night (Feb. 26) and have lost their last two games.

In this week's national rankings, UVa is ranked 24th in The Associated Press poll. Florida State is ranked 22nd in both The Associated Press poll and the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll.

The Virginia-Florida State game will be televised by ESPN2 and carried on ESPN3.

Cavaliers Down Hokies 61-59 in Blacksburg

Click the picture above to watch highlights of the win at Virginia Tech

BLACKSBURG-Senior forward Mike Scott had game-high totals of 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Virginia men's basketball team to a 61-59 Atlantic Coast Conference victory over Virginia Tech at Cassell Coliseum Tuesday night (Feb. 21).

Junior guard Jontel Evans added 13 points and five assists for UVa and senior guard Sammy Zeglinski had 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.

The victory improves Virginia's overall record to 21-6 and the Cavaliers are 8-5 in the ACC. UVa is ranked 25th in this week's Associated Press Top 25 poll.

Virginia returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 25) when the Cavaliers host North Carolina at John Paul Jones Arena. That game is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. and will be televised by ESPN. The Virginia-North Carolina game is sold out.  

Virginia Rolls To 20th Win (Video Highlights)

Mike Scott led all scorers with 25 points as Virginia defeated Maryland 71-44.

CHARLOTTESVILLE--Senior forward Mike Scott scored a game-high 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Virginia men's basketball team to a 71-44 victory over Maryland in an Atlantic Coast Conference game at John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday (Feb. 18).

Freshman guard Malcolm Brogdon added 14 points and senior guard Sammy Zeglinski scored 11 points for the Cavaliers. Sophomore forward Akil Mitchell led UVa with a game-high 10 rebounds, his first career double figure rebounding game.

Virginia's overall record improved to 20-6 with the win and the Cavaliers are now 7-5 in the ACC. It is UVa's first 20-win season since 2006-07.

In this week's national rankings, UVa is ranked 22nd in both The Associated Press poll and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

It's the 11th time this season Virginia has held an opponent under 50 points. It is the fifth time this season Virginia has held an opponent under 30 percent shooting from the field.

UVa returns to action on Tuesday (Feb. 21) when the Cavaliers play at Virginia Tech. That game is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. and will be televised by ESPNU.

In the Film Room with Coach Bennett: Maryland Preview

Click the picture above to watch Coach Bennett preview the Terps.

Watch Virginia take on Maryland in a home contest this Saturday, February 18th on the ACC Network.

UVa Shifts Focus to Maryland (Saturday, February 18-1PM)

 Virginia takes on Maryland this Saturday in an ACC matchup

 

CLEMSON, S.C.-Guards Andre Young and Tanner Smith each scored 13 points, and forward/center Devin Booker had 10 points to lead Clemson to a 60-48 victory over Virginia Tuesday night (Feb. 14) in an Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball game at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Junior guard Jontel Evans scored a game-high 17 points to lead UVa and senior forward Mike Scott added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Cavaliers. Evans' 17 points tied his career high.

The victory improves Clemson's overall record to 13-12 and the Tigers are now 5-6 in the ACC. 
The loss drops Virginia's overall record to 19-6 and the Cavaliers are 6-5 in the ACC. In this week's national rankings, Virginia is ranked 22nd in both The Associated Press poll and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

Virginia returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 18) when the Cavaliers host Maryland at John Paul Jones Arena. That game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and will be televised by the ACC Network. 

ESPN Highlights: Cavaliers Roll to 68-44 Win Over Wake Forest

CHARLOTTESVILLE-Senior forward Mike Scott made all nine of his field goal attempts and scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Virginia men's basketball team to a 68-44 Atlantic Coast Conference victory over Wake Forest Wednesday night (Feb. 8) at John Paul Jones Arena.

Scott's 9-9 performance from the field tied the Virginia record for best perfect game shooting from the field which was established by Jeff Jones against UAB on March 18, 1982 and matched by Kenny Turner against Samford on Nov. 28, 1989.

The victory improved Virginia's overall record to 19-4 and the Cavaliers are now 6-3 in the ACC. The win also ended a six-game UVa losing streak to Wake Forest.

Virginia is ranked 19th in this week's Associated Press poll and 20th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

Sophomore guard Joe Harris scored 11 points for Virginia and freshman guard Malcolm Brogdon, junior guard Jontel Evans and sophomore forward Akil Mitchell each scored 10 points for the Cavaliers. It's the first time this season UVa had five players score in double figures.

UVa returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 11) when the Cavaliers play at North Carolina. That game is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. (TV: ACC Network)

VIDEO: UVA vs Wake Forest Tonight at 7:30 PM

Click the picture above to watch a mid-season highlight video before Wake Forest comes to town

Click the picture above to watch Coach Bennett preview Wake Forest

CHARLOTTESVILLE-The Virginia men's basketball team begins the second half of its Atlantic Coast Conference schedule on Wednesday (Feb. 8) when the Cavaliers host Wake Forest at John Paul Jones Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

UVa enters the game with an overall record of 18-4 and a 5-3 record in the ACC.  The Cavaliers are coming off a 58-55 loss at Florida State on Saturday (Feb. 4) that ended a three-game winning streak.

In this week's national rankings, Virginia is ranked 19th in The Associated Press poll and 20th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

Wednesday's game will be televised on the regional sports networks, including Comcast SportsNet+, and carried on ESPN3 except in states where there is an ACC school.

After the game with Wake Forest, the Cavaliers play at North Carolina on Saturday (Feb. 11). That game is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and will be televised by the ACC Network.  

Cavaliers Top Clemson 65-61 For Third Consecutive Win

Click the picture above to watch highlights of the win over Clemson

CHARLOTTESVILLE-Senior forward Mike Scott had game-high totals of 23 points and 10 rebounds, and sophomore guard Joe Harris scored 19 points to lead the Virginia men's basketball team to a 65-61 Atlantic Coast Conference victory over Clemson Tuesday night (Jan. 31) at John Paul Jones Arena.

The game was the 100th men's basketball game played at JPJA where the Cavaliers have a record of 71-29. 

The victory improves UVa's overall record to 18-3 and the Cavaliers are now 5-2 in the ACC. It was the third ACC win in the last six days for the Cavaliers.

Virginia's 18-3 start is its best since going 27-3 to open the 1982-83 season.

In this week's national rankings, Virginia is ranked 16th in The Associated Press poll and 18th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. Virginia returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 4) at Florida State. That game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and will be televised by the ACC Network.

Coach Bennett Previews Clemson (ESPN2/7PM ET)

Click the picture above to watch Coach Bennett preview the matchup against Clemson

Tune in to ESPN2 tonight at 7 PM Eastern to watch the Cavaliers take on Clemson. Virginia enters the game with an overall record of 17-3 and a 4-2 record in the ACC. The Cavaliers have won their last two games, including a 61-60 victory at NC State on Saturday (Jan. 28), and will be playing their third game in six days. In this week's national rankings, UVa is ranked 16th in The Associated Press poll and 18th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

Cavaliers Post 61-60 Road Win Over NC State (Video Highlights)

RALEIGH, N.C.-Senior forward Mike Scott scored a game-high 18 points and senior guard Sammy Zeglinski and sophomore guard Joe Harris each scored 12 points to lead the Virginia men's basketball team to a 61-60 victory over NC State in an Atlantic Coast Conference game at the RBC Center Saturday night (Jan. 28).

A three-point attempt by NC State sophomore guard Lorenzo Brown missed with one second left in the game.

The victory improves UVa's overall record to 17-3 and the Cavaliers are now 4-2 in the ACC. It was Virginia's fourth consecutive win over NC State.

In this week's national rankings, Virginia is ranked 19th in The Associated Press poll and 21st in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

UVa plays its third ACC game in six days on Tuesday (Jan. 31) when the Cavaliers host Clemson at John Paul Jones Arena. That game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will be televised by ESPN2.

Watch UVa take on NC State Tonight at 8PM ET

 The Virginia men's basketball team plays its second Atlantic Coast Conference game in three days on Saturday (Jan. 28) when the Cavaliers play NC State in Raleigh, N.C., The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m.


Virginia enters the game with an overall record of 16-3 and a 3-2 record in the ACC. The Cavaliers are coming off a 66-49 victory over Boston College on Thursday (Jan. 26) at John Paul Jones Arena.
In this week's national rankings, UVa is ranked 19th in The Associated Press poll and 21st in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

NC State enters Saturday's game with an overall record of 15-6 and a 4-2 record in the ACC.

Saturday's game will be broadcast on the Virginia Sports Radio Network. It will also be televised by ESPN2 and carried on ESPN3.

No. 19 Cavaliers Down Boston College 66-49 (Video Highlights)

CHARLOTTESVILLE-Senior forward Mike Scott scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Virginia men's basketball team to a 66-49 victory over Boston College in an Atlantic Coast Conference game Thursday night (Jan. 26) at John Paul Jones Arena.

The victory improves UVa's overall record to 16-3 and the Cavaliers are now 3-2 in the ACC. Virginia is ranked 19th in this week's Associated Press poll and 21st in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

Junior guard Jontel Evans had 10 points and a game-high six assists for the Cavaliers and sophomore forward Akil Mitchell scored a career-high 10 points and had five rebounds. Freshman guard Malcolm Brogdon led Virginia with a career-high seven rebounds.

Virginia returns to action on Saturday (Jan. 28) when the Cavaliers play at NC State. That game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. and will be televised by ESPN2.

Boston College Preview: In the Film Room with Coach Bennett

Click the picture above to watch the video and tune in to ESPN U tonight at 9PM Eastern to check out the Cavaliers take on Boston College.

"Tony Bennett one of 10 arc angels"

"As part of its spotlight on the 25th anniversary this season of the introduction of the three-point shot to college basketball, ESPN.com is inviting readers to vote for their favorite long-range shooter among 10 former college players.

Among those 10 is Tony Bennett of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Bennett shot 49.7% beyond the arc during his career with the Phoenix from 1989-'92, an NCAA record."

-from Sports Day with Bob Wolfey, Journal Sentinal (LINK to full article) 

Cavaliers Roll to 70-38 Win at Georgia Tech

ATLANTA, Ga.-Senior forward Mike Scott scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and sophomore guard Joe Harris had 16 points and five rebounds to lead the Virginia men's basketball team to a 70-38 victory over Georgia Tech at Philips Arena Thursday night (Jan. 19).

The 32-point margin of victory was Virginia's largest against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent since a 104-72 win over NC State on Jan. 29, 1991. It was UVa's largest road ACC win since a 107-74 win at Wake Forest on March 2, 1983.

The victory improves Virginia's overall record to 15-2 and the Cavaliers are now 2-1 in the ACC. Virginia is ranked 15th in this week's Associated Press poll and 17th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

UVa returns to action on Sunday (Jan. 22) when the Cavaliers host Virginia Tech at John Paul Jones Arena. That game is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be televised by ESPNU.

Click the picture above to watch the Virginia Sports TV Highlights

Virginia Takes Duke to the Wire in Cameron (Video Highlights)

Highlights from Virginia's game at Duke (click the picture above)

Game Day in Durham: 9PM Tip-Off vs Duke on ESPN

Cavaliers Top Miami 52-51 in ACC Opener

Click picture above to watch highlights of the ACC opener vs Miami

Senior forward Mike Scott scored a game-high 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Virginia to a 52-51 victory over Miami in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams Saturday night (Jan. 7) at John Paul Jones Arena. 

The victory improved UVa's overall record to 14-1 and the Cavaliers have now won 12 consecutive games. It's the first time Virginia has been 14-1 and has won as many as 12 games in a row since the 1981-82 season. Going back to last season, the Cavaliers have also won their last 10 home games.

In this week's national rankings, the Cavaliers are No. 21 in The Associated Press poll and No. 23 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. Virginia returns to action on Thursday (Jan. 12) when the Cavaliers play at Duke. That game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. (Eastern) and will be televised by ESPN.

Wahoos Prepare for ACC Opener vs Miami

 Click the picture above to watch Coach Bennett preview the Miami Hurricanes on film

CHARLOTTESVILLE-The Virginia men's basketball team opens the Atlantic Coast Conference portion of its 2011-12 schedule on Saturday (Jan. 7) when the Cavaliers host Miami at 6 p.m. at John Paul Jones Arena.

UVa takes an 11-game winning streak and a record of 13-1 into the game with the Hurricanes. Miami, coached by former Virginia assistant coach Jim Larranaga, is 9-4 on the season and has won its last four games. In this week's national rankings, the Cavaliers are No. 21 in The Associated Press poll and No. 23 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

Virginia's 13-1 start to the 2011-12 season is its best since going 27-1 to open the 1981-82 season when Larranaga was an assistant on Terry Holland's staff. The Cavaliers' 11-game winning streak is their longest since the 1992-93 season.

UVa has won its last nine home games, including eight this season. It's the second longest winning streak for the Cavaliers at JPJA.

Saturday's game (6PM Eastern) will be televised by ESPNU and carried on ESPN3.

Virginia Cavaliers Featured in ESPN.com's "King's Court"

Click picture above for full article from ESPN.com

Cavaliers pick up 11th in a row by putting away LSU

Click on photo above to watch video highlights from the win at LSU

BATON ROUGE, La.-Senior guard Sammy Zeglinski, sophomore guard Joe Harris and senior forward Mike Scott combined for 43 points and 16 rebounds Monday night (Jan. 2) to lead the Virginia men's basketball team to a 57-52 victory at LSU in the Cavaliers' final non-conference game of the 2011-12 regular-season.

The win was the 11th in a row for the Cavaliers who are now 13-1 on the season. In this week's national polls, Virginia is ranked No. 21 in The Associated Press poll and No. 23 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.

The loss broke a seven-game LSU winning streak and dropped the Tigers' record to 10-4.
It's the first time Virginia has won 11 consecutive games since the 1992-93 season and the Cavaliers are 13-1 to open a season for the first time since the 1981-82 season.

Zeglinski led UVa with 17 points and Harris finished with 14 points and five rebounds. Scott scored 12 points and had a team-high nine rebounds.

Virginia returns to action on Saturday (Jan. 7) when the Cavaliers open Atlantic Coast Conference play against Miami at John Paul Jones Arena. That game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will be televised by ESPNU.

External Links:
CBSSports.com Blog: "UVA reps for hoops on Bowl Monday"
ESPN Recap

Geaux 'Hoos: Virginia Braces for LSU Challenge

At 7 p.m. Eastern, UVa (12-1) meets LSU (10-3) in a non-conference game that matches two of the nation's stingier teams. The Cavaliers are giving up an average of 50.3 points per game. The Tigers are allowing 60.4.

This is the final non-conference game of the regular season for UVa, which opens its ACC schedule Saturday night against Miami at John Paul Jones Arena. The Wahoos, who defeated LSU in Charlottesville last season, are coming off a victory over Towson, which stayed close for most of the game before finally succumbing 57-50 at JPJ.

NOTE: The game will be broadcast by the Virginia Sports Radio Network. It will be televised by Comcast Sports Southeast and also carried on ESPN3.