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Hoop Dreams

Photos by Matt Riley

Coach Tony Bennett cuts down the nets after winning the ACC Championship

It was a long, cold winter in Charlottesville, but many didn't seem to care— they were too distracted by the history-making men's basketball season. Virginia finished the year with a 30-7 record, tying the school record for wins in a season, secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and was ranked No. 3 in the year's final AP Top 25 poll, its highest ranking since a No. 2 ranking in 1983.

The season marked the latest milestone in a steady upward trajectory under Coach Tony Bennett, who has improved the Cavaliers' record in each of his five years at UVA During their careers, fourth-years Joe Harris, Akil Mitchell and Thomas Rogers helped the Cavaliers to 91 wins, three 20-win seasons, an ACC regular-season title, an ACC Tournament Championship and two trips to the NCAA Tournament.

"I'm thankful that for four years I got to be a part of watching them grow from boys to men and turn our program around," says Bennett, the ACC Coach of the Year. "They are what's right about the game of college basketball."

Here are some photos from the season.

Akil Mitchell, a member of the All-ACC Defensive Team, helped make the Cavalier defense the nation's stingiest, leading the NCAA in fewest points allowed per game. Virginia clinched the ACC regular-season title with a 75-56 win over Syracuse. 

Virginia beat Duke 72-63 to win its first ACC Tournament Championship since 1976.

After losing last season to injury, Malcolm Brogdon returned to lead the team in scoring and earn a spot on the Coaches All-ACC First Team.

Joe Harris was named the MVP of the ACC Tournament and finished his career 11th on UVA’s career scoring list and second in career three-pointers (263).

ACC Sixth Man of the Year Justin Anderson arrives at Madison Square Garden for the Sweet Sixteen game against Michigan State.

A No. 1 seed in the NCAA East Regional, UVA advanced to the Sweet Sixteen before falling to Michigan State, 61-59.

Fans greet the 2014 ACC Tournament Champions as they return to Charlottesville