CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (Ticker) -- Virginia's blistering 3-point shooting never let George Washington make this a contest.

Virginia tied a season high by making 13-of-26 from the arc, eliminating George Washington, 79-66, in a first-round NIT matchup.

Todd Billet scored 19 points and freshman J.R. Reynolds added 17 for the Cavaliers, who shot 68 percent (17-of-25) from the field in the first half on their way to a 48-33 halftime advantage.

The Colonials opened the second half with a 10-0 spurt that trimmed the deficit to 48-43 with 14:21 remaining. However, Billet responded by leading Virginia on a 20-5 run, during which he made three 3-pointers.

Virginia (18-12), in the NIT for the the thrid straight season, advances to play Villanova in the second round on March 22 or 23.

George Washington (18-12), which shot just 35 percent (24-of-69), was led by J.R. Pinnock with 19 points. The Colonials were appearing in the postseason for the first time since 1999, when they lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.