Guy and Key lead UVA over Florida State 65-52 (1-5-19)

By: Darrell Owens

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network

The first game of 2019 for the #4 Virginia Cavaliers (12-0) on paper was looking to be extremely competitive. The #9 Florida State Seminoles (12-1) were coming into Charlottesville looking to make some early noise in the ACC. Both teams came into this matchup with the all-time series tied 24-24. UVA had won six out of their last eight vs. Florida State including last year matchup in Tallahassee 59-55. Virginia Junior Guard Kyle Guy scored a career-high 30 points in his last outing vs. Marshall. Would Guy & the Cavs be able to get their 3rd win vs a ranked opponent and slow down the long & athletic Florida State Seminoles? The answer to that question would be…Yes!

Kyle Guy’s 21 points would lead the Virginia Cavaliers to 65-52 victory over the Florida State Seminoles. Guy went 7-for-11 from the floor and 5-for-6 from 3pt land. Braxton Key came off the bench for the Cavs and scored 20 points and also went 7-for-11 from the floor. UVA Head Coach Tony Bennett had this to say about Braxton Key after the game…

“He’s had a couple of really good practices, defensively he’s been really good in position, and I told him that. Offensively, I thought he really let the game come, took the open shots when they were there and attacked when it was there. That’s his game. He’s kind of a complete player who does a little bit of everything and understands how to play”

Florida State started off strong, but a 14-3 run early in the first half would set the tone for the rest of the game. UVA lead by 29 points at one point during the game and never looked back. Phil Cofer lead Florida State in scoring with 9 points going 3-for-8 from the floor. PJ Savoy (8 points) & M.J. Walker (7 points) just couldn’t get things going for the Seminoles. UVA’s Defense came to play once again holding Florida State to 31.4% shooting. 

My Thoughts

Virginia passed their first test in ACC play in amazing fashion. Guy was on fire in the first half shooting 100% from behind the 3pt line. When he gets hot he’s hard to cool down. If you are trying to stop Virginia you will have to shut them down from behind the arc. UVA shot 50% from 3-pt land and when they are on fire, the Wahoo faithful will let you know. Next up for UVA will be Boston College on Wednesday, January 9th.

Next Games

#4 Virginia (13-0) at Boston College

#9 Florida State (12-2) vs Miami