If you’re Virginia, and the game is on the line, you might as well leave the outcome in the hands of your defense.
The #21 ‘Hoos got a stop when they needed one, forcing a Durand Scott miss in the lane as time ran out to post a 52-51 win in the ACC opener for both teams Saturday in the John Paul Jones Arena.
For a while, it had looked like UVa. (14-1, 1-0 ACC) would get an easy win over the ‘Canes. A Jontel Evans jumper made it 33-23 Virginia with 16:05 left, but then the Cavs went ice cold from the field, going nearly six minutes without a bucket as Miami cut the lead to one at 35-34 on a Durand Scott basket and free throw.
It would be a pitched battle from there on out, with UM (9-5, 0-1 ACC) taking a 46-45 lead at the 3:57 mark on a Kenny Kadji dunk. Sammy Zeglinski answered 14 seconds later with a three from the left corner that made it 48-46 Virginia, a lead that it turned out the Wahoos would not relinquish.
Another Durand Scott basket and free throw with 33 seconds left pulled Miami to within one at 52-51. Joe Harris, an 84 percent free-throw shooter, missed the front end of a one-and-one with 18 seconds left, allowing Miami to set up for a potential game-winning shot. Miami coach Jim Laranaga called timeout and set up a play for Scott, whose baseline drive to the basket was cut off by Evans, forcing an awkward shot by Scott that missed badly.
Mike Scott led Virginia with 23 points. No other UVa. player had more than six points.
Kadji led Miami with 14 points and Scott added 12 points for the ‘Canes.
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