GREENSBORO, N.C. – Marial Shayok wasn’t looking to do anything special, he was just embracing his role. Against North Carolina with UVa down early in the ACC Tournament Semifinals, that role was to bring energy off the bench. He delivered.

“We obviously try to come in with energy, especially if we start slow,” Shayok said. “We just try to bring energy and bring something to the team.”

While the Cavaliers didn’t manage to climb all the way back, falling short 71-67, one of the reasons UVa had a shot at the end is because Shayok helped steady the ship midway through the first half. Shayok entered the game with 12:39 to play before intermission and made a significant impact over the final 12 minutes.

It started with a free throw and then an assist to Darion Atkins right out of the gate, but he really heated up about a minute later.

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