Virginia’s defense shows it’s still terrifying without Justin Anderson in win over Pitt

Virginia put on a defensive clinic against Pittsburgh on Monday night, made even more impressive when you consider the Cavaliers were without their best two-way player in Justin Anderson. Tony Bennett’s team held an opponent under 50 points for the 11th time this year in a 61-49 win punctuated by this big dunk from junior star Malcolm Brogdon.

Brogdon finished with 18 points in the win, but none were more emphatic than these two. Even in the win, Anderson’s absence was felt. Junior Evan Nolte replaced Anderson in the starting lineup and finished the game with zero points on 0-for-6 shooting. It just doesn’t really matter when you play defense the way Virginia plays defense.

This block by big man Darion Atkins -- one of four on the night for him -- showcased everything that makes Virginia’s defense so terrifying. These players are as athletic as they are smart and disciplined, and the result is one of the two best defenses in college basketball this season:

Pitt had a great win against North Carolina on Saturday, but this was a wakeup call. It was also an announcement that even without Anderson, Virginia is still going to be tough as hell. Good luck scoring against these guys. Any opponent will need it.