CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. --- Roanoke fell to Virginia, 82-50 in an exhibition contest at John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday afternoon. It was the first pre-season contest for both teams, as they gear up for the 2010-11 season.
Virginia outscored Roanoke, 22-11 on second chance points and 18-11 in points off turnovers. The Cavaliers outrebounded Roanoke, 49-25 and shot 50% for the game.
In the first meeting against Virginia since 1977, Roanoke got off to a slow start as they went scoreless in the first six minutes of action. The Cavaliers continued their hot start and jumped out to a 22-4 lead as Page Moir called timeout midway through the first half.
After Moir settled his troops, the Maroons responded with a 14-5 run over the next five minutes. A second three-pointer by newcomer
Dylan Berry cut the UVA lead down to nine, 27-18 with 5:45 remaining in the half.
Roanoke hung within 20 points through the first 10 minutes of the second stanza. After a
Jack Hamilton jumper cut the lead to 17 with 9:59 remaining, the Cavaliers went on an 18-2 run to put the game out of reach.
Melvin Felix, last year's leading scorer for the Maroons, led his squad with 11 points, including seven in the second half. Berry scored eight points, all in the first half, connecting on two three-pointers in addition to two steals.
Kwasi Amponsah finished with six points and led Roanoke defensively with three steals.
Matt Crizer had team-bests of five rebounds and three assists.
Corey Poindexter added six points, four rebounds and two assists.
The men will complete their pre-season with a scrimmage against in-state foe, Averett University next Thursday in Danville. The Maroons begin the regular season on Nov. 20 as they host the 2010 Dick Leftwitch V-Foundation Classic. Their season-opener will be against Warren Wilson College on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.
