One of the nation's stingiest defenses tightened up in the second half, and Virginia's Mike Scott had another big game with 23 points, leading the No. 18 Cavaliers to a 65-61 home win over Clemson on Tuesday at John Paul Jones Arena.

Joe Harris added 19 points for the Cavaliers (18-3, 5-2 ACC), who have won three straight since losing to rival Virginia Tech.

Clemson (11-10, 3-4 ACC) appeared poised to run its winning streak to three games, getting off to a hot start and leading 30-26 at halftime.

But the Tigers couldn't find the basket early in the second half; they went more than four minutes between field goals in the midst of a 19-3 Virginia run that put the Cavaliers ahead for good.
Scott, who also had nine rebounds, has scored in double digits in eight straight games, including 18 or more in each of the Cavaliers' past five wins.

Harris hit four of his five 3-pointers in the second half, including three straight during the decisive 19-3 run.

Devin Booker scored 16 points and Tanner Smith added 14 for Clemson, as each hit key 3-pointers down the stretch to keep the Tigers in it, but Scott hit four straight free throws in the final seconds to preserve the win.

Clemson was playing its first game without junior forward Milton Jennings, who was suspended for failing to comply with the team's academic standards. Jennings' absence meant more playing time for Bryan Narcisse and Catalin Baciu, who scored six points apiece.

The Tigers dropped to 0-3 on the road in ACC play. They haven't beaten a ranked team on the road since March 4, 2007.