By Kenneth Cross
The Virginia Cavaliers blew out to a double-digit lead in the first half and then used Reece Beekman’s free throw acumen to defeat Syracuse, 73-66, in Charlottesville on Saturday evening.
It was coach Tony Bennett’s 327th win as the Virginia coach as he passed legendary head coach Terry Holland to move into the top spot as the winningest coach in Cavaliers history.
Virginia head coach Tony Bennett on setting the all-time Cavaliers record as the winningest coach in Cavaliers’ history:
“I want to say thanks to my wife Laurel,” Bennett said. “When you’re a coach’s wife, it’s a lot. I’m so thankful because we do life together. I’ve had some guys who have been my Day Ones or ride-or-dies. Coach (Jason) Williford has been with me from Day One. Coach Mike Curtis, right here; Ronnie Wideman, Day One. Ron Sanchez, Ritchie McKay, that first staff that got it going, every single one of the staff. And it is all about the players. You know how many great players I’ve had? This is an us or a we award and I got better than I deserve.”
Virginia took a quick 11-2 lead as guard Armaan Franklin drained three triples in the first 2:33. Franklin was able to spot-up against the Syracuse zone and make those threes from different spots on the floor.
“Oh if you like to shoot threes, this is probably one of your favorite weeks to come in,” said Franklin. “Knowing that you have good teammates who can work well inside the high post, fins you off the bump or when you get into the middle.”
Virginia made 12-of-26 triples which shaded the 11-for-27 shots which were made from two. Freshman Isaac McKneely also had four triples as three came midway through the first half as the third came off the left wing and gave Virginia a 28-16 lead.
“I think if you see the first shot go down, the confidence goes up from there,” explained McKneely. “I was thankful that first one went down and then it was up from there.”
Bennett had challenged McKneely to be more aggressive with his shot and against the Orange zone, that became more of an issue as he found himself open on the perimeter and he was able to get into a rhythm in making four of seven from the arc.
“He kind of feels like sometimes, I am not taking the shots I should,” said McKneely. “That makes me really happy to hear that from the head coach – that he wants me to shoot more.”
The solid functioning of the Virginia offense came from the Cavaliers’ ability to assist 22 of 23 shots. Point guard Kihei Clark had 11 assists while Beekman checked in with seven assists to go with his 13 points.
“I didn’t think we penetrated it off the dribble well, but those guys make for the most part made some really nice decisions when they got to the high post or looked at things,” said Bennett.
On the Defensive: Virginia is once again known as one of the top defensive teams in the nation as the Cavs have held their opponents to 40.4 percent from the floor (60th/CBB) in their first 15 games and only 59.6 points per outing (15th/CBB).
“Even though our shots are not falling like they were for a period of time, we are going to have to be able to lock in on that defensive end, pack the paint, get out on the shooters abd be an all around solid team in the final stretch,” said Franklin.
Virginia scored 23 points off 16 Syracuse turnovers but were outrebounded, 37-30. by the Orange.