Virginia improved to 2-1 on their young 2009-2010 hoops season this evening, with a win over visiting Rider University in the opening round of the Cancun Challenge, which oddly was played right here in Charlottesville. The Hoos were up 14 at the half, and never looked back winning 79-46.

Mike Scott had a night to remember on both ends of the court as he scored 17 points on 8-9 shooting, while getting a Virginia-high 9 rebounds. Early in the first half, Scott sent home a thunderous dunk on a sweet set-up from Sammy Zeglinski that drew the ire of coach Tony Bennet at the very next time-out. Coach Bennett ran all the way out on the court to get in the grill of his big-man for over-celebrating. On the next dunk by Scott, no fanfare at all, as he ran down the court to play defense.

Every player on the bench that was dressed in a uniform got in the game this evening, including walk-ons. The Hoos next play Oral Roberts on Saturday in Charlottesville, and they are fresh-off a win against Stanford. Nice win for Virginia today!   stats.washingtonpost.com/cbk/boxscore.asp

At half-time the Hoos lead Rider University 36-22. Mike Scott leads all scorers with 13 points. Virginia's interior defense has been pretty good so far, as Rider finished the first half shooting only 42.9 %. The Hoos shot 56 % from the field, but were only 33 % from the 3-point line.

Walk-on Will Sherrill logged a season best 11 minutes from the three-spot, and Mike Scott finished the first half a perfect 6-6 from the floor. The Hoos had 8 turnovers, as Rider committed 9. Coach Tony Bennett ran over to Mike Scott and gave him hell for being overly reactive as he celebrated a thunderous dunk on a sweet feed from Sammy Zeglinski. Go Hoos!

The Cancun Challenge is actually here in Charlottesville this evening. The 1-1 Wahoos play host to the Rider University Broncos tonight at 7 pm. Las Vegas oddsmakers have the Hoos as surprising 5 point favorites.

Virginia returns home to the friendly-confines of the John Paul Jones Arena this evening to host the Rider Broncos (2-0) as part of the Cancun Challenge. The game tips-off at 7 pm and is not on television, but will be carried locally by 97.5 3WV, and AM 1070 WINA.

Vegas has the Hoos as 5 point favorites, which amazes me because of Virginia's poor showing in their last contest against USF in Tampa. The Hoos only shot 33 percent against the USF Bulls, and only managed 49 points in the loss.

Virginia is led by second-year slasher Sylven Landesberg who had 14 against USF, and 23 in his fist game of the season against Longwood. The Hoos are still struggling to find a post-game under new coach Tony Bennett. Go Hoos, check back at halftime for an update!