PITTSBURGH — In an impressive performance, sophomore Dai Dai Ames registered a personal best with 27 points, leading Virginia to a comfortable 73-57 victory against Pittsburgh on Monday evening.
Ames, who has been averaging 6.2 points per game, demonstrated remarkable efficiency by sinking 11 of his 16 attempts from the field, including three shots from beyond the arc, and making both of his free throw attempts. This victory improves the Cavaliers’ record to 11-12 overall and 4-8 within the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Blake Buchanan also made a notable contribution, achieving his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Andrew Rohde chipped in with nine points, alongside a career-high nine assists, and he contributed to the team’s three-point shooting with three baskets from long range, helping Virginia compile a total of 10 three-pointers in the game.
The Panthers were led by Ishmael Leggett, who scored 17 points on an efficient 7-for-11 shooting night, adding six rebounds to his efforts. Jorge Diaz Grahm provided further support off the bench, adding nine points, with three shots landing from three-point territory.
Virginia established an early advantage, with Ishan Sharma hitting a three-pointer to contribute to a rapid 24-7 lead, while Pitt struggled with a shooting performance of only 3 for 12 from the field. The Cavaliers ignited a scoring spree, netting 17 consecutive points in the first half, marking their longest scoreless stretch of the season.
Ames delivered a jumper from the free-throw line, pushing Virginia’s advantage to 30-10 with 4:46 remaining in the half. He was instrumental in the first half, scoring 16 out of the Cavaliers’ total of 34 points, while Pittsburgh struggled significantly, finishing the half with only 19 points on 6-of-20 shooting, setting a record for their lowest scoring first half of the season.
Pittsburgh had enjoyed success in their prior two encounters with Virginia, reversing an earlier eight-game losing streak against them.
Looking ahead, Virginia will host Georgia Tech on Saturday, while Pittsburgh is set to travel to face North Carolina.
