On Monday night, Virginia rode its dominant defense to an impressive 60-38 win over Miami, improving its resume for the NCAA Tournament.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Miami was held to its fewest points in an ACC game in program history.
The Hurricanes entered the game averaging 80.8 points per game.
The 38 points are the second-lowest point total allowed by the Cavaliers this season. On Nov. 16, they held Texas Southern to 33 points in a 29-point win.
With the win, Virginia (18-5, 9-3 in ACC) has won seven consecutive games.
Per Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology, the Cavaliers are on the “Next Four Out” line. As strong as they’ve been defensively this season, they’d be one of the biggest snubs on Selection Sunday if their NCAA Tournament standing doesn’t change.
Entering Monday night, the Cavaliers allowed 57.8 points per game, the second-fewest in the NCAA. Their defensive rating (92.9) also ranked 10th. Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, Virginia ranks 35th in the country.
CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein noted Virginia improved to 12-1 with junior guard Dante Harris in the lineup.
The Hurricanes’ previous low in points this season was 62 in a 13-point win over Notre Dame on Dec. 2. On Monday, they shot 14-of-49 (28.6 percent) from the field, only made two of their 20 three-pointers and were 8-of-15 on free throws.
