No. 7 Virginia tops Iowa in Emerald Coast Classic semis

Bill Kaczor, Associated Press

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Jerred Reuter led a well-balanced scoring attack with 14 points and No. 7 Virginia's stifling trademark defense set the tone for a 74-41 victory over Iowa on Friday night in the semifinals of the Emerald Coast Classic.

The Cavaliers (5-0) will play for the tournament title on Saturday against the winner of Friday's late game between Memphis and Providence.

Three other Cavaliers scored in double figures: London Perrantes with 12, Isaiah Wilkins 11 and Darius Thompson 10.

Offense, though, took a back seat as it often does whenever Virginia plays.

Virginia guard Marial Shayok (4) shoots the ball defended by Iowa guard Jordan Bohannon (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Fla., Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

The Cavaliers began the day leading the nation in scoring defense by holding opponents to 38.8 points per game.

Iowa (3-2) barely bested that average, led by Peter Jok's 13 points.

The Hawkeyes shot only 31.3 percent from the field including 26.1 percent from 3-point range.

The Cavaliers hit 48.3 percent from the field including 47.1 percent on 3s.