CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) Braxton Key scored 19 points, including two critical 3-pointers in the final 5 minutes, and Virginia beat Clemson 51-44 on Wednesday night.

Key also grabbed eight rebounds while Mamadi Diakite added 13 points and eight boards for Virginia (15-6, 7-4 Atlantic Coast Conference). The reigning national champions have won three straight since losing four times in a five-game span.

Aamir Simms scored 16 points for the Tigers (11-11, 5-7). Clemson twice got within one possession in the closing minutes, bringing a hush over John Paul Jones Arena, but Key made a 3-pointer each time. He was 4 for 6 from beyond the arc in the game.

Key's first big 3 came ended a 12-3 run for the Tigers that pulled them within 36-34 with 5 minutes to go. After they again closed within 42-39, Key made another with 1:28 to go and followed by making both ends of a one-and-one free throw opportunity to push the advantage to eight with 51 seconds left.

Jay Huff had 10 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks for Virginia.

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The Tigers return home to face Notre Dame on Sunday night.

Virginia travels to No. 5 Louisville for a Saturday afternoon contest.