Virginia Puts an End to Pepperdine’s Season

Three minutes was all it took Renee Robinson to turn a potential embarrassment into another highlight in her Virginia career.

The senior point guard scored her first nine points during a 14-4 run midway through the second half Friday night and pushed fourth-seeded Virginia (24-8) to a 74-62 victory over 13th-seeded Pepperdine in the first round of the women’s NCAA Mideast Regional.

“I was feeling it for those three minutes,” Robinson said of the burst that turned a 40-37 deficit into a 51-44 lead with 12:08 remaining. Robinson made a 10-footer, a three-point shot, two free throws and a layup in the run.

Pepperdine (21-10) was making its first appearance in the NCAA tournament.

“We came into the ACC champion’s backyard and were up four at halftime and down three with six minutes to play. I’m extremely, extremely proud,” Coach Mark Trakh said.

Damaris Hinojosa led the Waves with 17 points and Rasheeda Clark and Nadja Morgan had 13.

Boston College 93, Nebraska 76--Alissa Murphy scored a season-high 26 points and Brianne Stepherson had 23 as fifth-seeded Boston College beat 12th-seeded Nebraska at Charlottesville, Va.

Boston College (26-8) led, 52-38, at halftime and pulled away after Nebraska (18-13) twice pulled within 10 early in the second half. The Eagles will play Virginia in the second round Sunday.