GREENSBORO, NC. — In the second matchup of the ACC Tournament, the Virginia Cavaliers defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers, beating them 64-50. They will play the California Bears in the second round on Thursday, March 6th, at 5 PM EST.

The game started tightly contested from the jump, with the Cavaliers gaining the edge at 14-12. They were led by their guard tandem of Olivia McGhee and Paris Clark, who each scored five points. Makayla Elmore scored nine points for the Panthers, adding one offensive rebound in the period. Although it didn’t hurt them initially, Pittsburgh couldn’t buy a bucket, only shooting 3/17 (17.6%) from the field. Virginia didn’t shoot much better to start the game, only making five shots in 16 attempts (31.3%). Much of the same happened in the second quarter as both teams continued to fight closer to the finish line.

As the first half came to a close, the Cavaliers took a 26-22 lead after a 12-point second quarter. Of those points, Kymora Johnson scored nine of them, finishing with 17 in the game. For the Panthers, they kept the game close, thanks to Marley Washenitz (Wash-En-ITS). She scored eight points in the quarter, and she finished with 10 points in the loss. Even though the game was closely contested in the first half, Virginia held their lead because of their advantage inside the painted area. Through the first half, the Cavaliers bested Pitt in points in the paint, 12-2. Their strength in the paint gave them the ability to create open shots, which gave them the ultimate edge in the second half.

In the third quarter, Virginia led the charge as they could taste victory. They were led by McGhee and Johnson, who scored six points each in the quarter. The Cavaliers started getting into a rhythm offensively, shooting 16/27 (40%), which certainly helped them win. Despite seeing their contested shots fall, they shot 2/7 (29%) from the free-throw line. Another reason Virginia gained the edge was because of their defense. They forced Pitt to score 14 points in the third while allowing eight field goals in 30 attempts (27%). Even though the Panthers shot badly from the field in the third quarter, they did make all their free throws, going 11/11 (100%). The Cavaliers made a statement with their defense while finding their groove on offense, which set them up for smooth sailing in the fourth quarter.

Virginia won after the third quarter, which awarded them a date with the California Bears in the quarterfinals. The third quarter from the Cavaliers was the tone setter, which is evidence of their growth through the season. As their competition grows tougher by the day, they are already showing they are able to compete with anyone.