Game 18: UVA vs. Georgia Tech

X (Twitter): @TreyKelleher3 (https://twitter.com/treykelleher3)

ATLANTA, GA- UVA (-1.5) vs. Georgia Tech

UVA HAS WON A ROAD GAME! UVA HAS WON A ROAD GAME! DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

It wasn't easy for Virginia...until it was, and then it wasn't again, and then it was, and then UVA won the game. The Cardiac Cavs have struck again.

The Hoos started off this game in the same form they have started all other road contests this year....slow. Georgia Tech got off to a 22-11 lead with 9:51 left in the first half, and a 24-14 lead with 8:39 on the clock.

UVA looked lost on defense, there was zero flow on offense, and the Yellow Jackets were making what seemed to be every shot that went up. But then Reece Beekman hit a much needed three to cut it to single digits, Andrew Rhode joined the party with a three of his own to make it a 4 point game, and Isaac McKneely turned into Mr. Heatmiser and drained a couple threes as time trickled down in the first half. UVA went on a 12-0 run to end the half and a lead that was once 11 for Georgia Tech, turned into a 33-29 lead for Virginia into the break.

The turning point? Well, it was multiple plays. Reece's three to cut the deficit down to 7, Jordan Minor had a huge steal that lead to an Andrew Rhode 3 pointer to make it 24-20, Isaac entering Chris Kyle mode was certainly helpful as well.

A 12-0 run going into halftime, turned into a run that grew in the second half to a 23-3 run. The defense was staggering, UVA was crashing the glass well, they were moving well on offense, they were sharing the ball as well as they have all season (19 team assists), and making their shots!

Tony Bennett must be proud of these guys. 50% from the floor, 48% from behind the arc, three different guys had 5 boards or more, they had less than 10 turnovers as a team, and UVA limited GT to only 8 offensive rebounds.

Georgia Tech tried their best to get back into the game, cutting a lead for UVA that was once at 15, down to 5 with 1:39 left in the game. Jacob Groves and who else but Isaac Mckneely were able to hit two more threes to put this game into wraps and Virginia walked out of the McCamish Pavilion with a 75-66 victory.

UVA moves to 13-5 (4-3) and Georgia Tech drops to 9-9 (2-5).

Player of the Game: Reece Beekman. ACC player of the week, so why wouldn't he get my Player of the Game award? 19 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Play of the Game: Some people will disagree but this play made me get out of my seat and smile ear to ear for our boy Taine Murray. A big brain move by #10 here not touching the ball until he was one dribble away from the basket so he could get the easy layup to go before time expired. Simply incredible and a play not everyone on this team makes.

Next Up: 1/24 vs. NC State @ 7pm