Emphatic run helps No. 5 Virginia pull away from pesky Oakland in second half

CHARLOTTESVILLE — Anthony Gill and London Perrantes each scored eight points during a run to open the second half and No. 5 Virginia pulled away from pesky Oakland for its 10th consecutive victory, 71-58 on Wednesday night.

Gill led the Cavaliers (11-1) with 17 points, Mike Tobey had 16, and Malcolm Brogdon added 12.

Kay Felder, the nation’s No. 3 scorer with a 26.6 average, had 30 points on 10-for-22 shooting to lead the Golden Grizzlies (8-5). Oakland (8-5) arrived with a reputation as a dangerous team, having won at Washington and then taken No. 1 Michigan State to overtime, but after trailing, 29-28, at halftime, Virginia took command.

The Golden Grizzlies closed the half on a 7-0 burst to lead, 29-28, but the Cavaliers went on a 24-7 run to open the second half.

Gill scored inside, Perrantes followed a turnover with a 3-pointer and Brogdon followed another turnover with a free throw. A dunk by Gill made it 36-29 before Felder finally hit two free throws for Oakland.

Another turnover led to a breakaway dunk for Gill, followed by a 3-pointer from Perrantes, and the Cavaliers built their lead as high as 22 points.

Tobey, who played just 7 minutes in Virginia’s victory over California, provided a needed spark in the first half with eight points. The last six came during a 16-8 run that turned a 12-9 deficit into a 25-20 lead, but the Grizzlies closed the half on a 9-3 run.