ATLANTA (Interstat) — The Virginia Cavaliers delivered a dominant first-half performance that rendered the final 20 minutes a formality, cruising to a 94-68 victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Hank McCamish Pavilion.

The most important part of the game was the opening period, where Virginia established an insurmountable lead with a blistering offensive display and stifling defense. The Cavaliers erupted for 59 first-half points, their highest-scoring half in recent memory, while holding the Yellow Jackets to just 27 points on 24% shooting from the field. The 32-point halftime deficit, at 59-27, effectively decided the contest before the teams returned from the locker room.

Virginia’s efficiency was staggering in the first half. They shot 48% from the floor and connected on 8 of 20 three-point attempts. The Cavaliers’ ball movement was sharp, leading to 12 assists on 22 made baskets, and their defense was disruptive, forcing 10 Georgia Tech turnovers which they converted into 12 points. A 15-2 run early, followed by a 17-4 surge later in the half, showcased a complete performance that overwhelmed the home team.

The second half saw Georgia Tech, led by Jaeden Mustaf’s 18 points, play with more energy and outscore Virginia 41-35, but the gap was far too large to challenge. The Cavaliers’ lead never dipped below 24 points after intermission.

Virginia’s offensive balance and defensive intensity were the story. Thijs De Ridder, a 6-foot-9 forward from Antwerp, Belgium, led all scorers with 22 points, showcasing his versatility inside and out. Point guard Dallin Hall of Plain City, Utah, orchestrated the attack with a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists. Malik Thomas added 17 points, all in the first 22 minutes of play, including three early three-pointers that helped ignite the initial surge.

The Cavaliers’ interior defense was anchored by their twin 7-footers. Johann Gruenloh of Loningen, Germany, scored 11 points and recorded four blocks, while Ugonna Onyenso of Owerri, Nigeria, also blocked four shots. Virginia finished with nine blocks and 12 steals as a team, holding Georgia Tech to 37.5% shooting for the game and a frigid 4 of 19 from three-point range.

Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo of Mbour, Senegal, managed 13 points and Lamar Washington of Portland, Oregon, contributed seven points and four assists, but the Yellow Jackets were undone by their slow start and 16 turnovers. Kowacie Reeves of Macon, Georgia, scored 12 points.

Virginia improved to 23-3 overall and continued its strong run in conference play, having won nine of its last ten games. The Cavaliers entered as heavy favorites, with a pregame win probability of 87.1% and a spread of -13.5, which they covered with ease. The combined score of 162 points sailed over the over/under line of 146.5, largely due to Virginia’s explosive first-half output.

Georgia Tech fell to 11-16, unable to build momentum after a recent road loss at Notre Dame.

Statistically, Virginia won nearly every key category. They outrebounded Georgia Tech 52-34, including a decisive 20-7 advantage on the offensive glass leading to 19 second-chance points. The Cavaliers scored 40 points in the paint, 28 fast-break points, and posted an offensive rating of 120.2 points per 100 possessions, a mark of elite efficiency. Georgia Tech’s offensive rating was a meager 82.9.

Virginia next hosts Miami on Saturday, while Georgia Tech travels to face Louisville the same day.

The announced attendance was 5,056.