No. 2 Virginia rallies past Virginia Tech
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Blacksburg, VA (SportsNetwork.com) - It wasn't pretty, but the second-ranked Virginia Cavaliers escaped Blacksburg with a 50-47 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies on Sunday.
Justin Anderson scored 12 points and Virginia overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half to remain one of just two unbeatens left in the country along with top-ranked Kentucky.
The Cavaliers (19-0, 7-0 ACC), who shot just 34.7 percent from the field, are off to their best start since the 1980-81 team led by legendary center Ralph Sampson started 23-0.
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Ahmed Hill scored with 1:06 remaining to get the Hokies within 50-47, but missed a free throw that resulted from the play. Malcolm Brogdon's shot rimmed out at the other end.
Following a timeout, Will Johnston passed up on an open 3-pointer before passing to Malik Muller. Anderson blocked Muller's shot and Darion Atkins came down with the ball for Virginia.
Atkins missed the front end of a one-on-one with 12.8 seconds left, but Adam Smith's long 3-pointer rimmed out as time expired.
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Atkins had nine points for Virginia, which got eight points apiece from Anthony Gill and Brogdon.
Smith ended with 15 points for the Hokies (8-11, 0-6), who have lost seven in a row.
Trailing 24-13, Virginia Tech surged ahead with a 30-9 run that bridged the first and second half. The Hokies made a trio of 3-pointers during the burst to build a 43-33 advantage.
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London Perrantes made a shot from beyond the arc to stop the bleeding with 10:21 to play. Perrantes' trey sparked a 17-2 Virginia run that Anderson scored 10 points during for a 50-45 edge.
Game Notes
Virginia holds an 87-53 lead in this rivalry. The Cavaliers have won six straight meetings ... Virginia Tech shot 45.2 percent from the field ... Virginia outrebounded Virginia Tech by a 33-21 margin.