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Virginia Head Coach Tony Bennett

Opening Statement:

“I was proud of our guys, the way they fought. I thought the first half, defensively, that was real nice. I thought we adjusted well from the first time we played Boston College. Our guys really battled. Certainly there were some shots falling down. But what I really liked is when, in the second half we got a little shaky – I think they cut it to, maybe it was three. And the kids battled back, they showed some resolve. And they didn’t fall through.

“We’ve had some struggles, we’ve had some setbacks, but leading up to this game, we had three really spirited practices. They have come together, and they’ve worked hard and there’s been a good attitude. You have to do that when your tank isn’t full. And I was really proud of the way they handled it and I’m happy for all these guys.

“For what Jerome received before the game – that’s significant, that award. To be the student-athlete scholar of the conference (for men’s basketball), that’s impressive.

“Again, thankful, it’s been a while since we got one, but certainly it’s a nice time to get it.”

Virginia Sophomore Guard Sammy Zeglinski

On what has changed for him in the past two weeks:

“Nothing really new. I just try to stay aggressive, don’t get discouraged. It really starts with our defense, because when we get stops, we’re able to get out and run and get some easy looks. So it definitely starts on the defensive end and we made some shots too.”

On how the Cavaliers will prepare for Duke:

“Defensive transitions just getting better, stopping the ball and making a play in the halfcourt offense, and just staying with our principles of defense. No easy drives and really focusing in on the defensive end.”

Virginia Senior Forward/Center Jerome Meyinsse

On receiving the ACC’s Skip Prosser Award:

“It means a lot to me. I didn’t know I was going to receive the award, it was a surprise to me. It was very nice, and my parents were here to see it, so that was great. They’ve helped me along this road and taught me how to carry myself. Just to have them see it as well, it really meant a lot.”

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