It wasn’t looking good for Virginia early on in the game against UNC-Wilmington, finding themselves quickly down double-digits and looking like a first-round upset. But the Cavaliers of Virginia dug in, made some shots, and started to clamp down on defense, as UVa led by one at halftime.
Virginia continued to hold the lead throughout the second half but UNCW would never go away, cutting the lead down to two points late in the game. But it wasn’t meant to be for UNCW for a first round upset, as Virginia escaped with a 76-71 victory on Thursday.
London Perrantes led the way with 24 points for Virginia, shooting 9-for-14 from the field. But it was the emergence, especially critical shots late in the game, by Marial Shayok, scoring 23 points off the bench in the win.
Virginia shot 50 percent from the field but was killed on the offensive glass, giving up 14 offensive rebounds to UNCW. The Seahawks also hit 10 three-pointers but Virginia held a small advantage from the free throw line, while also hitting seven three-pointers for themselves.
In the end, the Cavaliers shot 50 percent from the floor and will now wait the winner of Florida vs East Tennessee State.
