Beekman leads the way as unranked Virginia opens by routing Tarlton State
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Reece Beekman scored 16 points, Isaac McKneely added 15 and Virginia led by 24 at halftime in an 80-50 victory against Tarleton State in the season-opener for both on Monday night.
Leon Bond III added 12 points and nine rebounds in just 17 minutes in his collegiate debut for the Cavaliers, who lost seven players off last years' team to graduation and transfer.
Devon Barnes scored 11 points and Izzy Miles 10 for Tarleton State.
The Cavaliers, unranked in the preseason for the first time since the 2017-18 season, made quick work of the Texans, shooting 56% in the first half and hitting five 3-pointers. They led by as many as 30.
Beekman, who tested the NBA waters before deciding to return, missed all three of his 3-point tries, but was 5 for 9 from the field with seven assists and three steals, getting a head start on his follow-up to being the ACC's top defender last season.
Ryan Dunn led the Cavaliers with seven rebounds.
___
Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here ___
AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
-
Bronny James 'grateful' to have NBA dream within reach after health scare
UC regents committee orders UCLA to pay Cal $10 million per year for 3 years
Marquette, Maryland agree to college hoops home-and-home series
-
2024 college basketball transfer portal tracker: Washington lands commit for $2M
LeBron James shows up to watch son Bronny play at NBA draft combine
Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo and other notable college-NBA teammates
-
Green Bay hires Doug Gottlieb as men's basketball coach
Zach Edey is confident he can be impactful at NBA level: 'It's just basketball'
-
Bronny James 'grateful' to have NBA dream within reach after health scare
UC regents committee orders UCLA to pay Cal $10 million per year for 3 years
Marquette, Maryland agree to college hoops home-and-home series
-
2024 college basketball transfer portal tracker: Washington lands commit for $2M
LeBron James shows up to watch son Bronny play at NBA draft combine
Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo and other notable college-NBA teammates
-
Green Bay hires Doug Gottlieb as men's basketball coach
Zach Edey is confident he can be impactful at NBA level: 'It's just basketball'