Cavaliers Top Boston College, 65-51

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Jan. 26, 2013

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) – Justin Anderson and Akil Mitchell scored 16 points each and Virginia took command with a 16-3 run in the second half and beat Boston College 65-51 on Saturday, the Cavaliers’ third straight victory.

With scoring leader Joe Harris managing just seven points for Virginia (14-5, 4-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), the freshman Anderson and Mitchell carried the scoring load. Anderson made 7 of 9 shots and Mitchell was 6-for-10 and grabbed six rebounds.

The Cavaliers, who rank second nationally in scoring defense (51.1 points per game), allowed five 3-pointers in the first half but just two more afterward in sending the Eagles (9-10, 1-5) to their fourth consecutive loss. Ryan Anderson led Boston College with 14 points and Joe Rahon added 10.

The Eagles became the 16th opponent held under 60 points by Virginia this season, including all six of their ACC foes.

The Eagles shot 36.2 percent (17 of 47), while Virginia shot 56.3 percent (27 of 48).

Boston College led 28-26 in the second half before Evan Nolte’s putback tied it and sparked the big run for the Cavaliers. Mitchell followed with a three-point play, and after Ryan Anderson answered with one for Boston College, Virginia scored the next eight, prompting Eagles coach Steve Donahue to call time.

Justin Anderson completed the burst with a three-point play, giving Virginia a 42-31 lead.

Rahon temporarily slowed the Cavaliers’ momentum with a 3-pointer from the top of the key, but Mike Tobey hit a baby hook on the baseline and Harris followed an Eagles free throw with a 3-pointer. The Eagles could do no better than trade baskets with Virginia the rest of the way.

Virginia led 15-9 until the Eagles hit four consecutive 3-pointers in a 12-0 run. Danny Rubin hit two and Lonnie Jackson hit two, and Jackson later added a third 1:13 before halftime to make it 26-24 Boston College at the break.