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No. 2 Virginia rallies past Virginia Tech

Jan 25, 2015 - 9:01 PM Blacksburg, VA (SportsNetwork.com) - It wasn't pretty, but the second-ranked Virginia Cavaliers escaped Blacksburg with a 50-47 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies on Sunday.

Justin Anderson scored 12 points and Virginia overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half to remain one of just two unbeatens left in the country along with top-ranked Kentucky.

The Cavaliers (19-0, 7-0 ACC), who shot just 34.7 percent from the field, are off to their best start since the 1980-81 team led by legendary center Ralph Sampson started 23-0.

Ahmed Hill scored with 1:06 remaining to get the Hokies within 50-47, but missed a free throw that resulted from the play. Malcolm Brogdon's shot rimmed out at the other end.

Following a timeout, Will Johnston passed up on an open 3-pointer before passing to Malik Muller. Anderson blocked Muller's shot and Darion Atkins came down with the ball for Virginia.

Atkins missed the front end of a one-on-one with 12.8 seconds left, but Adam Smith's long 3-pointer rimmed out as time expired.

Atkins had nine points for Virginia, which got eight points apiece from Anthony Gill and Brogdon.

Smith ended with 15 points for the Hokies (8-11, 0-6), who have lost seven in a row.

Trailing 24-13, Virginia Tech surged ahead with a 30-9 run that bridged the first and second half. The Hokies made a trio of 3-pointers during the burst to build a 43-33 advantage.

London Perrantes made a shot from beyond the arc to stop the bleeding with 10:21 to play. Perrantes' trey sparked a 17-2 Virginia run that Anderson scored 10 points during for a 50-45 edge.

Game Notes

Virginia holds an 87-53 lead in this rivalry. The Cavaliers have won six straight meetings ... Virginia Tech shot 45.2 percent from the field ... Virginia outrebounded Virginia Tech by a 33-21 margin.