Anthony Gill swats Georges Niang’s attempt at first-half buzzer-beater (Video)

Anthony Gill wasn’t having any of Georges Niang trying to beat the buzzer to go into halftime

The Virginia Cavaliers jumped out to a huge lead over the Iowa State Cyclones in the first half of their Sweet 16 matchup on Friday night. However, Iowa State closed the gap a considerable amount as halftime approached and the No. 1 seeded Cavaliers desperately needed to do something to recapture the momentum going into the locker room for the half. Anthony Gill had just what Virginia needed.

With Virginia up by 14 points, Iowa State’s star big man in Georges Niang was trying to work his way into the post to get a shot up before the buzzer. He definitely got a shot off, but Gill Rose up at the rim and threw the shot out of bounds with a massive block as time expired to make sure the lead stayed at that mark:

"If you dare step into the lane against @UVAMensHoops, expect a visit from Anthony Gill. https://t.co/mStSxocxJc— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 25, 2016"

That is definitely one way of going about making a statement to end a dominant first half.

Malcolm Brogdon certainly gets much of the shine for Virginia and rightfully so as he was the deserved ACC Player of the Year this season. However, Anthony Gill really has been one of the emotional leaders for the Cavaliers who also does his fair share throughout the box score. This block in the Sweet 16 is just another one of his contributions that have Virginia looking like a viable national championship contender.

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