CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Going into the school’s exam break, Virginia men’s and women’s basketball each had one last game to play before a 10-day break in the lead-up to Christmas.  

First, the No. 24 Virginia men’s team came home to take on Maryland Eastern Shore on Tuesday.  The Hoos had little trouble seeing the visitors off, winning 84-60.  Three Cavaliers scored double-figures; Sam Lewis had 15 points, Thijs De Ridder notched 13 and Chance Mallory tallied 10. 

The next day, the Virginia women’s team faced Howard at John Paul Jones Arena.  LSU transfer Sa’Myah Smith made her home debut for the Hoos after scoring 12 points in her season debut against Boston College on the road last Sunday.  The dynamic Smith put up 18 points with seven rebounds, going 8-12 from the floor.  Tabitha Amanze also dazzled with 13 points and five rebounds in a game that the Hoos were in complete control of from the start.  The Cavaliers ultimately triumphed 76-50.   

Virginia basketball will be back in action at JPJ following exams. The women’s team battles Winthrop on Saturday at noon, while the men pick up their slate against Maryland at 5 p.m. the same day.