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Press Conference: UVA basketball coach Tony Bennett

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tony-bennett-newlinks2UVA basketball coach Tony Bennett talks with reporters after the second-ranked Cavs (18-0, 6-0) defeated Georgia Tech, 57-28, on Thursday.

On Virginia’s defensive effort: “I think we knew how important it was to limit Georgia Tech to one chance. I think holding them at bay with those second chance points was significant. We really worked on playing good ball screen defense and contesting their shots. That combination helped us. There are still areas to improve, but I liked how we rebounded.”

On Virginia’s offense: “We weren’t great in the first half. The ball was sticking and we were forcing things a bit. In the second half, we started running our offense with ball movement and pace, and got good looks.”

On getting consecutive stops on the defensive end: “If you can make them come up empty a few times in a row and you can go on the offensive side and get them chasing you, that can do a lot for you. We’ve shown the ability to embrace the possession. We are not going to give in and we are not going to give them an easy look. Everything is going to be contested. The guys embraced that throughout tonight.”

On starting Mike Tobey and Darion Atkins and having Anthony Gill come off the bench: “I told those guys that they are three starters. It’s going to be based on matchups. I like having Darion in there to give us a defensive spark and some mobility. With the size of Georgia Tech, I started Mike. I thought it would be a way to interject some life into him, as well. They’re all going to play and give us lifts.”

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