Freshman K.T. Harrell scored 15 points as homestanding Virginia posted a much-needed win, 64-50, over Louisiana State University Sunday in John Paul Jones Arena.
The Cavaliers (9-5) broke a two-game losing streak despite the absence of leading scorer and rebounder Mike Scott, who missed his second consecutive game relating to ankle surgery in mid-December.
LSU, too, was banged up, with starting forward Storm Warren sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury. Starting guard Ralston Turner, who scored 11 points, was also forced to the bench late in the game with a foot injury.
For the Cavaliers, covering the loss of Scott was a team effort, as six players scored at least eight points as the team shot 40.4 percent from the floor. The shooting effort, while far from torrid, was a marked improvement of the club’s last three outing, in which they connected on just 31 percent from the floor.
The improved shooting may have been a result of a concentrated effort by Virginia to attack the basket. Starting point guard Jontel Evans and Harrell attacked the rim at every opportunity, with Harrell scoring on numerous strong inside-the-paint moves, and drawing fouls, where he converted on six of seven free throws.
Evans’ defensive pressure began with a steal and layup on the game’s first possession. Evans added several driving scores to the basket that aided the Cavaliers in opening up some of the perimeter shooters. Evans finished the contest with eight points. Virginia also received significant bench play, with freshman Akil Mitchell scoring nine points.
Virginia coach Tony Bennett said it’s important his team develop ways to get the ball inside without power forward Scott, who still battles the ankle injury.
“If there’s opportunities to touch, we always say touch the paint with the ball, find a way to drive to the basket,” said Bennett.
For the Cavaliers, a team that often plays with as many as three to four freshmen on the floor, the tendency has been to be satisfied with the out side shots. A fine strategy if the ball is consistently going in, a disaster if not. The latter scenario has certainly been the case the last three outings for the Hoos.
Defensive pressure also was the key to the win for Virginia. In its last two games, Virginia allowed Seattle and Iowa State to shot nearly 50 percent from the floor. Tonight the Tigers connected on just 41 percent of its shots. LSU leading scorer Andrew Stringer was held to six points on a 2-of-8 effort from the floor.
Virginia will conclude the nonconference portion of the schedule Tuesday night at home against Howard University. The Cavilers conclude the season with a 15 game Atlantic Coast Conference slate starting Saturday at home against North Carolina.
Story by Scott German
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