Virginia Takes Marriott Cavalier Classic Title With 78-56 Victory Over Marshall

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CHARLOTTESVILLE Tournament Most Valuable Player Monica Wright led the way with 22 points and the Virginia women’s basketball team used a second-half surge to win the 2007 Marriott Cavalier Classic championship, 78-56, over Marshall Saturday night at John Paul Jones Arena.

Wright was joined on the all-tournament team by Lyndra Littles, who finished with 16 points. Aisha Mohammed notched her fifth double-double of the year with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and fourth-year point guard Sharne Zoll added eight points, five rebounds and four assists in an all-around effort.

With the score tied 12-12 early in the first half, Virginia (9-4) went on a key 12-2 run that was capped off by a layup by Mohammed to claim a 24-14 lead with 8:39 left in the opening period. The Thundering Herd (8-5) fought back, however, and two free throws by Alix Barnette in the waning seconds of the half pulled Marshall within six points, 35-29.

Marshall forward Alyssa Hammond opened the second half with a jumper to make it a four-point game, but Virginia responded with eight unanswered points to take a 43-31 lead with 17:33 left. The Cavaliers continued their second-half surge and got nearly everyone involved, as Britnee Millner came off the bench for 12 points, Enong Stovall chipped in four points and two rebounds and Abby Robertson hauled down six rebounds, including two offensive.

Virginia led by as many as 30 in the second half, and went on to win, 78-56.

Rounding out the lineup was Paulisha Kellum (seven points, three rebounds, three assists). The Cavaliers have now won six-straight games in John Paul Jones Arena, a program-best in the building.

To open 2008, Virginia travels to Lawrenceville, N.J., to face Rider on Jan. 2 for a 7 p.m. matchup. It will be a homecoming for New Jersey native head coach Debbie Ryan and Philadelphia product Sharne Zoll.

2007 Marriott Cavalier Classic All-Tournament Team
Name, School
Monica Wright, Virginia (Most Valuable Player)
Lyndra Littles, Virginia
Casey Baker, Marshall
Kizzy Hart, Marshall
Amanda Hanneman, Missouri
Raquel Collier, Delaware State