ACC's Best: Virginia shows their moxy, defeats Miami 65-40

In Monday's presser, Head Coach Jim Larranaga praised the Virginia Cavaliers, even stating that their level of play this season is one he hopes the 'Canes can attain down the line.

After a first hand look at the Hoos tonight, Coach L was likely even more impressed.

Using a balanced attack led by PG London Parrantes and a stifling defense, Virginia rolled to an easy victory,  65-40 at John Paul Jones Arena.

Donnavan Kirk started the game with a strong drive that led to a two handed flush. That was about as good as it got for Miami.

Joe Harris would answer right back with a three for the Cavaliers, as early on the game was close.

In a fantastic sequence, Justin Anderson would block an alley hoop attempt by Rion Brown, showing just how good the Hoos defense is.  Miami would find the Virginia defense impenetrable all night.

As the half progressed UVA would take control, building a nine point lead behind the balanced attack of Perrantes, Malcolm Brogdon, and Harris, who all got multiple buckets.

Brown kept Miami in it though with a slew  tough medium range jumpers, and an and one put back by Tonye Jekiri sliced the lead to 24-20.

Perrantes however would nail another three to take momentum back as the half closed with Virginia up by 7.

In a hard fought first half it was the Hoos 5-10 from deep that was the key statistic.  The 'Canes on the other hand were 0-7 on trifectas in the first 20 minutes.

The second half was not much better.

Another Perrantes bomb would build the lead to double digits. Just moments later, his fifth three of the night would extend it to 38-25.

Meanwhile UM couldn't make anything, inside or out. And against the ACC's best, that is a formula for getting blown out.

Brogdon converted another and one about halfway through the final stanza to extend to a 17 point lead and that was essentially that.

The 'Canes attempted to get back into the game taking the ball to the bucket.  But with no jumpers falling, it would not be enough.

In defense of Miami, very few teams have had much better success against the Nation's stingiest defense.

Next Up:  Miami heads to Raleigh, Saturday 3/1 at Noon, to take on NC State.