Isaac McKneely scored a season-high 26 points, and Taine Murray added a career-best 20 as Virginia secured an 82-71 victory over Miami in ACC play on Wednesday night. The Cavaliers (10-11, 3-7 ACC) snapped their losing skid, while the Hurricanes (4-17, 0-10 ACC) remain winless in conference play.
McKneely was instrumental in Virginia’s win, shooting 9-of-17 from the field, including 6-of-12 from beyond the arc. Murray, who entered the game averaging just 3.7 points per contest, had a breakout performance, making 8-of-12 shots, including four three-pointers. He also dished out a career-high seven assists.
Freshman forward Blake Buchanan was another key contributor for Virginia, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Miami twice cut Virginia’s lead to just four points in the second half, but each time, McKneely responded with a timely three-pointer. His second crucial deep ball extended the Cavaliers lead to 67-60 with 4:30 remaining.
McKneely then scored Virginia’s next seven points, pushing the lead to 74-64 with two minutes left. Miami made one final push, trimming the deficit to 76-71 with 49 seconds remaining. However, the Cavaliers held firm at the free-throw line, as Ishan Sharma knocked down four clutch free throws and Jacob Cofie added two more to seal the victory.
Despite the loss, Miami’s Matthew Cleveland delivered a stellar performance with 27 points. The Hurricanes leading scorer, who averages 15.1 points per game, has now scored at least 23 points in each of his last four outings.
Brandon Johnson contributed 13 points for Miami, but the team struggled to contain Virginia’s perimeter shooting and ball movement.
Virginia gained control of the game with a 14-2 run midway through the first half, sparked by three three-pointers from McKneely and another from Dai Dai Ames.
Later in the half, Murray led a 7-0 Cavaliers run with five points, helping Virginia take a commanding 38-23 lead with two minutes left before halftime. The Cavaliers carried a 40-29 advantage into the break.
Virginia will look to carry its momentum into Saturday’s rivalry matchup at home against Virginia Tech. Meanwhile, Miami will try to secure its first ACC win of the season when it hosts Notre Dame.