SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Virginia picked up right where it left off in April — showcasing its Pack-Line defense in impressive fashion. Mamadi Diakite scored 12 points, Jay Huff added 11 points and 12 rebounds, and No. 11 Virginia shut down Syracuse 48-34 on Wednesday night. Syracuse’s shooting numbers told the story: 13 of 55 (23.6%) from the floor, 5 of 29 (17.6%) from behind the arc against the defending national champions. “I know we have to be good defensively. That will be very significant for how good we can be,” Virginia coach Tony Bennett said. “I think our team understands how important that aspect will be. It starts with willingness. If there’s no willingness, then you’re wasting your time, and there’s willingness by the coaching staff and here’s purpose and buy-in by the young men.” The Cavaliers became the first reigning NCAA champion to start the next season with a true…
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