Farrakhan steps up in Cavaliers’ victory

ATLANTA — The only thing more impressive than Mustapha Farrakhan’s career-high 12 points in the win at Georgia Tech on Sunday night was the size of his fan club.

In attendance at Alexander Memorial Coliseum was a large contingent of Nation of Islam followers, including Farrakhan’s father and a number of his uncles.

Farrakhan, the grandson of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, said the entourage flew in for the game from Chicago.

“It was fun,” said Farrakhan, when asked about playing in front of family. “I just went out there and tried to play my game and be aggressive.”

Virginia coach Dave Leitao’s decision to go with Farrakhan over the struggling Jeff Jones paid quick dividends. Moments after entering the game, Farrakhan knifed into the lane and dished to a wide-open Sammy Zeglinski, who knocked down a 3-pointer.

Later in the first half, the Chicago native — known as “Mu” to his teammates — showed his full arsenal. Farrakhan knocked down two 3-pointers and also scored on a strong drive to the basket.

In addition, the sophomore went 4 of 4 from the free-throw line. He’s now 10 of 10 for the season from the stripe.

“I feel like I’m getting my legs up under me a little bit and just playing confident,” said Farrakhan, who had zero turnovers in his 16 minutes. “I’m just trying to stay aggressive and do what [Leitao] wants me to do on the court.”

For some time, Farrakhan — who started the first two games of the season before getting demoted to the bench — has looked like one of the best shooters on the team. When media members have been allowed to attend practice, his stroke has seemed silky smooth.

“Mu has always been a great shooter,” said Virginia forward Jamil Tucker, who tied his own career high of 15 points against the Yellow Jackets. “I think he has one of the best forms I’ve ever seen.”

“Every time he shoots the ball, I think it’s going to go in,” added guard Calvin Baker, another hero from Sunday’s game. “He’s just been so much more confident than he was last year. You can see it in shootarounds and he’s been becoming a better leader and everything. He’s coming into his own.”

Sylven shines (again)

Nearly lost in the euphoric win was the stellar play of freshman Sylven Landesberg, who had 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. It was the sixth time in 10 games that the New York City native has scored over 20 points.

“He’s good,” Leitao said, pausing for emphasis. “As much as anything, he’s got a poise about him. I don’t think he knew the difference between a Friday night in Queens, N.Y., and a Sunday afternoon in Atlanta, Ga.”

Big shot Jamil

NBA player Robert Horry has become known as “Big Shot Bob” for his late-game heroics. On Sunday, Tucker proved worthy of such a moniker. The junior, who hit a couple of clutch shots for Virginia last season, hit the game-tying 3-pointer late in regulation.

“It felt real good,” said Tucker, who was 6 of 7 from the field and also had six rebounds, “but it was a shot that I felt like I made for my team, not myself. That made it all the better.”

Dunks

The win by Virginia was it first league-opening road triumph since a victory over Florida State in 1994-95. … Virginia wore its orange uniforms for the first time this season. …  After winning at Georgia Tech last season, Sunday’s win marks the first time since 1981-82 and 1982-83 that the Cavaliers have won consecutive games at Georgia Tech. … Senior captain Mamadi Diane didn’t score in six minutes. … Jones, because of Farrakhan’s effectiveness, logged just two minutes. … Mike Scott had his second consecutive double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds).