CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Freshman Billy Baron scored 19 points to lead Virginia to a 76-52 victory over William & Mary on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
Baron, the son of Rhode Island head coach Jim Baron, exploded in the second half, scoring 13 points during a decisive 19-3 run that put the Tribe away.
Mike Scott added 18 points and nine rebounds for Virginia.
William & Mary was led by Quinn McDowell’s 16 points and five rebounds.
Virginia shot 50 percent from the field and held William & Mary to 37.5-percent shooting.
The Cavaliers took command early in the second half. After an air ball by McDowell, Baron drained a 3-pointer in transition that gave Virginia a 51-41 lead and led to a Tribe timeout.
After the stoppage, Baron had a steal that led to a layup, then knocked down two more 3-pointers while a dunk by Assane Sene had the home crowd on its feet.
