It was simply a matter of time. A point when Virginia’s superior size advantage would simply swamp overmatched Morgan State University. And that moment did arrive, a bit later than expected, but by game’s end the Cavaliers found themselves on the right side of the scoreboard in destroying the Bears from Baltimore, 86-48 .
The season-opening win for Virginia was the most points scored in regulation since an 86-53 win over Longwood during the 2011-2012 campaign. The Cavaliers, thought to be deep and balanced, played 11 during the game’s first 20 minutes. The depth and talent of UVA was on display from almost buzzer-to-buzzer.
Morgan State University coach Todd Bozeman summed up the night quite concisely. “I knew coming here we were going to be severely overmatched,” stated Bozeman.
Morgan State started no one taller than 6′,7″ and was outrebounded 51-23 by Virginia.
Starting the season and game by misfiring on 11 of their first 12 shots, sixth-ranked Virginia began to utilize the size advantage and relentlessly pounded the basketball inside the paint, where they outscored Morgan State, 46-12.
Ten Virginia players scored, with four breaking double digits. Mike Tobey, Devon Hall, Darious Thompson and Anthony Gill all reached double digits for the Wahoos.
Thompson, a transfer from Tennessee, was making his debut for the Cavaliers and was outstanding, finishing with 12 points his first half ending dunk of a lob pass brought the near-capacity crowd to their feet.
Leading 40-23 at intermission, Virginia went on a signature run outscoring Morgan State 17-0 to end the Bears suffering humanely.
On tap for the Cavaliers is a trip to the nation’s capital to face George Washington University Monday evening.
– Column by Scott German
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