Virginia Tops Clemson 51-44

Postgame Quotes – Clemson | Postgame Notes – Clemson | Boxscore

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Braxton Key ha 19 points to lead a trio of double-figure scorers in Virginia’s (15-6, 7-4 ACC) 51-44 win over Clemson (11-11, 5-7 ACC) on Wednesday night at John Paul Jones Arena.
 
Key hit four three-pointers and added eight rebounds. Jay Huff (Durham, N.C.) had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Mamadi Diakite (Conakry, Guinea, Africa) scored 13 points with eight boards. Kihei Clark (Woodland Hills, Calif.) dished out 10 assists.
 
Virginia shot 37 percent from the field and 35 percent beyond the arc. Clemson shot 33 percent from the field. Aamir Simms lead the Tigers with 16 points. UVA had a 35-34 edge in rebounds and had seven blocks.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Virginia opened the game with a 7-0 run, sparked by a three from Key, and took a 14-2 lead at the 12:55 mark in the first half. Key hit another three and had a layup as UVA led 26-14 at the half.
 
The teams traded baskets to begin the second half. Clemson would use a 12-3 run to cut it to two, 36-34, but Key hit another three to keep UVA in the lead and end the Cavaliers’ scoring drought. Virginia never trailed as it held on for the 51-44 win.
 
THE GAME BALL GOES TO
Braxton Key scored a game-high 19 points to lead UVA, going 4-for-6 from 3-point range.
 
UP NEXT
Virginia is back on the road, traveling to Louisville on Saturday, Feb. 8. Tip is set for 4 p.m. on ESPN.