Virginia Overpowers MVSU, 67-39

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Dec. 8, 2012

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) – Akil Mitchell tied his career-high with 20 points and Virginia won its seventh-straight game, defeating Mississippi Valley State 67-39 on Saturday.

Justin Anderson had 15 points and Darion Atkins added 14 points for the Cavaliers (8-2), who improved to 7-1 at home.

Davon Usher led winless Mississippi Valley State (0-5) with 14 points.

Virginia, which entered the game ranked third nationally in scoring defense, was in full control from the opening tip. The Cavaliers raced out to a 12-2 lead, holding the Delta Devils without a field goal for nearly the first six minutes.

Virginia opened up a 22-11 advantage when Anderson made a steal and then a nice pass to Mitchell for a fast break dunk.

Virginia held the Delta Devils to 16 percent (4 of 25) from the field in the first half.

In the second half, the Cavaliers quickly extended their lead. Mitchell scored the team’s first 10 points after halftime, highlighting his scoring spurt with a driving two-handed dunk.

Later, Anderson had the crowd on its feet after he deked out the Delta Devils’ defense with a fake behind-the-back pass and then dunked.