Virginia-Georgia Tech: Cavaliers Put Duke Disappointment Behind Them

It was a disappointed Virginia Cavaliers team that left Durham last week after a close loss to No. 4 Duke. 

Coach Tony Bennett's job was to focus his club on the challenges ahead rather than dwelling on the "what might have been" behind them.    

Mission accomplished.

In what was Virginia's most lopsided ACC win in 20 years, the 15th-ranked Cavaliers demolished Georgia Tech, 70-38.

The 'Hoos were led by Mike Scott's game-high 18 points and seven rebounds.

Joe Harris added 16 points and five rebounds and was particularly effective in the first half as Virginia ran out to a 35-17 halftime lead.

The margin of victory equaled the largest in an ACC contest for Virginia since they defeated NC State 104-72 in 1991. 

It was also their largest road win in ACC competition since 1983 when they beat Wake Forest by a 33-point margin.

The Cavaliers' domination was so complete that with just under five minutes to play their unit on the floor consisted of three freshmen, a sophomore and a walk-on. 

The only potential damper on the evening for the 'Hoos was a first-half injury to their center, Assane Sene.  He suffered a sprained ankle and did not return for the second half.

Now, just as he wouldn't allow them to dwell on last week's loss, Coach Bennett can't let his club savor this victory for long.  The Cavs are right back in action Sunday evening hosting arch-rival Virginia Tech. 

The Hokies are a desperate team having started their ACC season a shocking 0-4.

Game time is 6 PM at what is sure to be a raucous, sold-out John Paul Jones Arena.