University of North Carolina Athletics
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Virginia
No. 9 Virginia Upsets No. 2 North Carolina
February 25, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 25, 2001
By HANK KURZ JR.
AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - First Duke, now North Carolina.
Ninth-ranked Virginia rolled on at home Sunday, beating No. 2 North Carolina 86-66 for its 13th victory in 14 games at University Hall.
The win came 11 days after Virginia toppled then-No. 2 Duke 91-89 on the same court. Once again, the Cavaliers (19-6, 8-6 ACC) won in impressive fashion, leading by as many as 20 and withstanding a 5:47 scoreless drought.
The latter was possible, as much as anything, because Virginia's defense and North Carolina's desperation conspired to hold the Tar Heels scoreless for the final 4:55 after they had closed to within 10.
As with the Duke game, this one ended with fans storming the court and coach Pete Gillen and several players addressing an adoring and emotionally charged crowd on microphones.
The Cavaliers used a 22-6 run late in the first half to push their lead into double digits, and never allowed the Tar Heels (22-4, 12-2) back in it as Joseph Forte and Brendan Haywood provided the only offense.
Forte scored 28 points, but made only four of his last 16 shots after hitting 7-of-8, and Haywood added 20 points, all from in close.
For Virginia, balance was once again the key as five players scored in double figures, led by Donald Hand with 17 points, Roger Mason with 16 and Travis Watson with 14. Virginia hit 11 of 22 3-point attempts.
Virginia led 56-42 at halftime. It was the most points allowed by the Tar Heels in a half this season and featured nine Cavaliers 3-pointers.
Playing a more deliberate offensive style, the Cavaliers outscored North Carolina 20-14 over the first 10 minutes of the second half, opening a 76-56 lead.
The Tar Heels led 31-29 after Forte's third 3-pointer of the first half, but Adam Hall answered with a 3-pointer to spark the 22-6 burst.
Hall followed by taking a feed from Donald Hand for a dunk on a fast break, and after Forte scored, Hand added two driving layups.
The run ended with 12 consecutive Virginia points, including a flying tip-in by Hall and Chris Williams' first two baskets, including a 3.
Hand finished the half with a 25-footer at the buzzer.
