NEW YORK — No. 14 West Virginia, so commanding in the first half, displayed all its flaws thereafter.
Virginia point guard London Perrantes, so ineffective early, played with polish and precision as the game turned around.
Thus, the 10th-ranked Cavaliers abruptly reversed course at Madison Square Garden, transforming a 12-point deficit into a 70-54 win.
Perrantes scored 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, all during a potent second half when Virginia (8-1) outscored the Mountaineers 40-17.
Anthony Gill had 20 points and a game-high 12 rebounds and Malcolm Brogdon finished with 14 points.
Jaysean Paige’s 16 points led West Virginia (7-1), which enjoyed a 35-23 edge 2:23 before intermission and seemed to be making its case for a top-10 ranking.