CLEMSON, S.C-What do you get when you combine a near-perfect performance by a top 15 team and the worst gig of the season by a mediocre opponent?
A 104-76 blowout, that's what.
The No. 13 Virginia men's basketball team played flawlessly in an ACC showdown against Clemson at Littlejohn Coliseum on Saturday. Not known for outstanding shooting, the Cavaliers put together their best offensive showing since the start of the ACC season, shooting 57.4 percent from the floor and making 50 percent of their three-pointers. They also tallied a whopping 21 assists and out-rebounded the Tigers 43-32.
"In all candor, our guys just couldn't have played better than today," Virginia coach Pete Gillen said. "We shared the ball and were able to hit perimeter shots."
But the story of Virginia's success was its defense, which held Clemson to just 39.1 percent shooting, including a mere 28.6 percent from long range. The Cavaliers also shut down Tiger superstar Will Solomon, the ACC's leading scorer at 27 points per game. Solomon was held to a season low 10 points on 2-of-14 shooting.
"It was our best defensive effort of the year," Gillen said.
Saturday's game was also one of the first times Virginia was able to perform well on both sides of the court.
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