Live Blog: #UVavsNorfolkState

Augusta Free Press editor Chris Graham will be courtside at tonight’s men’s basketball game between UVa. (8-3) and Norfolk State (#UVavsNorfolkState). Tipoff is at 7 p.m. The game is being broadcast online at ESPN3.

Game Notes

• The Cavaliers defeated Norfolk State, 67-56, in the first round of the NIT last season.
• UVa is 51-21 against non-conference opponents during Tony Bennett’s five seasons.
• The Cavaliers lead the nation in scoring defense at 54.0 points per game.
• Virginia is outscoring opponents 288-165 in bench points, averaging 26.2 per game.

Virginia looks for its ninth win after ending a two-game losing streak with a 57-43 win over Northern Iowa on Dec. 21. Sophomore Justin Anderson and Darion Atkins joined Joe Harris, Malcolm Brogdon and Akil Mitchell in the starting lineup and responded with solid all-around performances. Anderson tallied 16 points and four rebounds, while Atkins had a career-high five blocked shots.

The Cavaliers’ success has been highlighted by their top-ranked defense, rebounding and balanced scoring. The Cavaliers are yielding 54 points per game and grabbing 56.2 percent of the rebounds, ruling the glass in nine of 11 games and enjoying a +9.8 average rebound margin per game. UVa also ranks seventh in the nation in field goal percentage defense at 37.1 percent.

The Cavaliers are averaging 65.8 points per game, marking their highest total under head coach Tony Bennett. Virginia is averaging 26.2 bench points and has outscored its opponents 316-222 in the paint. UVa sports a balanced scoring attack, led by All-ACC performer Joe Harris at 11.4 points per game. Malcolm Brogdon is second at 10.5 points and has added a team-leading 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Anthony Gill, who has led the team in scoring in four games, has registered 9.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Mike Tobey has chipped in 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while Akil Mitchell has added 6.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Freshman London Perrantes leads the Cavaliers with 3.4 assists per game.