December 21, 2009

Jeff Jones scored a game high eleven points while Sylven Landesberg added ten as the Cavalier men's basketball team topped New Jersey Institute of Technology on Monday night, 68-37. It was Virginia's first game in two weeks and the Cavaliers saw their record improve to 5-4 with the victory.

The Cavs showed some signs of rust from their 14 day break in the early going as the Highlanders led 15-14 midway through the first half, but that's the last time Virginia would trail. Two quick three pointers by Will Sherrill put the Cavaliers up 19-14 and they would not look back, taking a 32-19 lead into halftime. The 19 points Virginia gave up in the first half is the lowest first half total since NC State scored 18 back on February 24 of 2008.

The second half was all Cavaliers as Virginia outscored NJIT 36-18, en route to the 68-37 final score. The 37 points given up by Virginia in the game is the lowest since only allowing 37 to Clemson back on January 11, 1995. It also marks the lowest total ever scored by a team at John Paul Jones Arena.

In addition to Jones and Landesberg, several other Cavaliers stepped up. Calvin Baker scored a season high nine points in his first start of the season, while Assane Sene, also making his first start of 2009-2010, pulled down a season best eleven rebounds. Jontel Evans chipped in a career high seven points and five rebounds. Virginia won its 22nd consecutive game over an opponent its was facing for the first time, as well.

The Cavaliers don't wait long to get back to action. Virginia welcomes Hampton to John Paul Jones Arena on Wednesday night. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm. Click on the above video link to view highlights and hear reaction from Monday's win over NJIT.