If there is one thing the Cavaliers have relied on all season, it is their ability to bounce back after a tough loss. After suffering at the hands of a potent Vanderbilt offense in the ACC/SEC challenge, Virginia (7-3, 1-0 ACC) did not skip a beat in Chestnut Hill, Mass., versus Boston College. Almost exactly one year ago, the Cavaliers shot a ghastly 2-for-23 from three-point range against the Eagles (4-8, 0-1 ACC), losing by 15 to extend a four-game losing streak.
But with a revamped roster, Virginia has shown the ability to rebound in the wake of a setback. A year removed from that loss, Sunday’s 81-55 win illustrated this trait.
“I love the resilience we showed, the poise we showed,” Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton said. “We bounced back from that Vandy game, which was a game where we weren’t very connected.”
The Cavaliers heated up quickly. Junior guard Kymora Johnson started the game with a steal and a score, setting the tone for a fast-paced afternoon. Johnson flew around the court, adding 13 points, nine assists and two steals. One highlight was a quarterback-style pass to junior forward Sa’Myah Smith to put the Cavaliers up by 27 in the third quarter.
Smith, a 6-foot-2 transfer from LSU, checked in for the first time this season. If the ankle injury affected her, she didn’t show it — Smith’s presence was dominant the moment she set foot on the floor, hitting back-to-back three-pointers and spearheading a 10-0 Virginia run in the first quarter. Scoring 12 points on five of nine shooting, Smith’s efforts injected additional energy and versatility into the Cavaliers’ roster, something they will benefit from as the season continues.
Virginia utilized its height and depth to the fullest. Sophomore forward Adeang Ring led the second quarter for the Cavaliers with seven points and two blocks, stretching their lead to 19 and limiting the Eagles to a shooting percentage of just 16 percent at the half. Senior forward Tabitha Amanze also recorded her third double-double of the season, notching 11 points and 10 rebounds. Amanze led the rebounding effort, with Virginia outrebounding Boston College 43 to 30.
Freshman guard Gabby White cashed in on eight of her 12 points in the third quarter, including back-to-back three-point plays that gave the Cavaliers a game-high 30-point lead. Graduate guard Romi Levy scored an efficient 11 points on 63 percent shooting. Senior guard Paris Clark also posted balanced offensive numbers with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Despite stretches of stagnant offense on both sides scattered throughout the game, the Eagles never broke through the Cavaliers’ lockdown defense. Though Virginia piled on 16 turnovers and 18 personal fouls, the squad also garnered eight steals and nine blocks that stifled Boston College’s offensive rhythm.
Before the Cavaliers continue conference play, they will face Howard Wednesday and Winthrop Dec. 20 back home at John Paul Jones Arena. Virginia must continue its balanced offensive effort and lockdown defense to set itself up for success in the ACC.
”We wanted to make sure we started ACC right,” Agugua-Hamilton said. “I think this is a pretty dominant win to start.”
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