Syracuse vs. Virginia: Live Score, Highlights and Reaction
Virginia clinched its first outright ACC regular-season title since 1981, turning a close game at halftime into a 75-56 blowout victory Saturday afternoon over visiting Syracuse.
The 12th-ranked Cavaliers (25-5, 16-1) trailed 28-27 at halftime, but after the teams traded baskets early in the second half, the home team took over. Using a strong blend of offensive rebounding, second-chance points and stellar outside shooting, Virginia turned the game into a runaway.
A key point in the game came with about minutes left when No. 4 Syracuse (26-3, 13-3) saw freshman point guard Tyler Ennis pick up his fourth foul. Virginia capitalized, going on a 35-16 run to end the game.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Cavs with 19 points, while Akil Mitchell had 12 points and both Mike Tobey and Justin Anderson added 11.
Ennis, who fouled out with 1:35 remaining, had 13 points and four assists but was 4-of-11 from the field. Syracuse also got 13 points from C.J. Fair and 12 from Trevor Cooney, but the Orange shot just 37 percent.
Virginia out-rebounded Syracuse 38-28, with a 13-9 edge in offensive boards.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
