Virginia guard Elijah Gertrude and Johann Grunloh attack Texas guard Simion Wilcher to force a Longhorns turnover, and the Cavaliers’ defense held Texas to 40.7 percent for the 88-69 win. Photo courtesy of Virginia Athletics.
Guard Chance Mallory led five Virginia Cavaliers (7-1) in double figures as their quick 20-9 lead allowed them to dominate Texas (5-3), 88-69, in Austin on Wednesday evening. Mallory hit double figures for the sixth time in his young career.
The Cavaliers shot 53.8 percent from the field, where they were 12-of-24 from the three-point line, which allowed them to move to 37.9 percent this season.
“We played our A game today,” said Virginia coach Ryan Odom. “We had a really good effort all around, all the way from the preparation, all the way through the game. I thought our guys did a really nice job against a really good team of imposing their will and doing the best that they could on each possession.”
Connecting possessions was a consistent delusion for the Longhorns’ defense, which allowed Virginia to spot shooters for their efficient three-point game.
“They have depth, they have size, they have an abundance of skills and experience, and Ryan Odom is a heckuva coach,” said Texas coach Sean Miller. “It was just overwhelming how they destroyed our defense.”
Virginia pushed its 20-9 lead to 34-17 when German freshman Johann Grunloh scored on a couple of dunks, with leading scorer Thijs De Ridder netting six points and a Mallory triple. This 14-8 streak was the breaking point as Grunloh and Jacari White then combined for nine points before North Dakota State transfer Dallin Hall drilled a three to move the lead to 46-27 at the half.
“We have multiple guys that can shoot it from behind the arc,” Odom explained. “We have big guys that can knock ’em down on occasion behind the arc, which tests the defense even more.”
Mallory’s ability to break down the Texas defense made the Cavaliers that much more of a threat on the perimeter.
“It allows our perimeter players like Chance and others to get inside the paint,” continued Odom. ” So offensively, we’re a tough team to match up with when you can do both.”
Defensively, Virginia held Texas to 4-of-19 from three, where the Longhorns have shot 36 percent over seven games. Jailyn Swain had 15 points for his first career double-double of the season, while guard Jordan Pope had ten.
“We either gave up a made field goal or fouled for a majority of the game,” said Miller. “When that happens, it’s tough to get transition points.”
The Cavaliers have scored 80 or more points in their seven wins, and the program is 55-1 when scoring 80 or more points in a game since 2009-2010.