Virginia Blows Past North Carolina Central, 77-47

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia (8-1, 1-0 ACC) took down North Carolina Central (4-6), 77-47, after holding the Eagles to 29 percent shooting (15-of-51) on Tuesday night (Dec. 5) at John Paul Jones Arena.

The Cavaliers were led by Isaac McKneely, who matched his career-high 22 points (8-for-11) and six three pointers made, which he set in his last outing against Syracuse (Dec. 2). Freshman Elijah Gertude (13 points, 6-for-11) and redshirt freshman Leon Bond III (14 points, nine rebounds) also finished in double-figures for UVA.

HOW IT HAPPENED
McKneely opened the contest scoring Virginia’s first 12 points after going 4-for-4 from 3-point range. Soon after, the Hoos orchestrated a 12-0 run and held the Eagles scoreless for six and a half minutes to take a commanding 33-13 lead. Heading into the break, the Cavaliers held a 41-17 advantage.

The Hoos carried their momentum into the second half, sparking a 9-0 run coming out of the locker room. Midway through the second half, Virginia fired off seven unanswered points to cement the lead, which was capped off with back-to-back buckets from Blake Buchanan (Nine points, six rebounds).

THE GAME BALL GOES TO:
Isaac McKneely. McKneely opened up the game going 4-for-4 from beyond the arc en route to tying his career-high in points (22 points) and 3-pointers made (6-for-8), which he set in UVA’s last game against Syracuse. McKneely shot 8-for-11 from the field and 6-of-8 from 3-point range in tonight’s contest.

UP NEXT
Virginia returns to action against Northeastern on Saturday, Dec. 16. Tipoff at John Paul Jones Arena is set for 6 p.m. on ACC Network.