Let’s just say it, the Cavaliers just know how to finish off teams. No matter how well they start a game, no matter how good they are during the game, you always know that when it matters, the Virginia defense is to rise and win the game.
Shooting 63% from the field in the first half, the Cavaliers doubled up Florida State in the first half, 34-17. However, in the second, they struggled to hit shots (shooting just over 30%) and behind Xavier Rathan-Mayers (would you expect anyone else?), the Seminoles twice got back to within five. Yet, with seven minutes to play, Virginia would only allow one more basket, holding the Seminoles to five points. Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon, who was held scoreless for the game’s first 31 minutes, poured in 10 (hitting six FTs) to seal the 58-44 victory.
Rathan-Mayes was the only Seminole to break double digits, scoring 13, but he was a tragic 1-for-8 from deep. As a team, FSU was just 3-for-17 from three, making just 15 total shots for the game (shooting 32.6%). The Cavaliers also won the battle of the glass, out-rebounding the bigger Noles, 31-23.
Evan Nolte and Mike Tobey both delivered 11 points, a team high, while the typically scorers on Virginia struggled. More importantly, Justin Anderson made his return. He was obviously rusty and only played 12 minutes, failing to connect on two shots. However, he did grabbed a pair of rebounds.
Florida State falls to 17-16 on the season and now must sit and wait to see if they get a NIT invite. Virginia improves to 29-2 on the year and will face North Carolina Friday night. If they haven’t already, the Cavaliers will certainly wrap up the one-seed with a win over the Tar Heels.
