Virginia Basketball Keeps Finding Ways to Win
Heading into the exam break with a 57-49 win over rival VCU, the Virginia Cavaliers showcased yet another way that they can win ball games. Against VCU, the Cavaliers shot under 30%, which was by far the season low, but also managed to hold VCU to under 30%. The Hoos also kept getting to the free throw stripe, which resulted in 26 points via free throws. The 30 free throw attempts were the most attempts in a game this season for the Wahoos, and the points gained from them was also a high on the season and resulted in 21% of their total points in the win. While the great defense was nothing new, Virginia found a way to win despite the low shooting percentage. Virginia had lost their previous 5 games when shooting under that mark, including two tournament games. (statistic from Danny Neckel via twitter). Virginia also showed maturity in the fact that since they couldn’t get their shots to fall, they got to the free throw line instead to score. The game against Maryland was also an uncharacteristic Cavalier win. Virginia’s defense allowed 71 points in that game, the most points allowed by a Cavalier team since the tournament loss a season ago. Typically when Virginia allows over 70 points it results in a loss for the Hoos, but not this time. Virginia again found a way, outscoring their opponent with 76 points by shooting 45% beyond the arc and a total field goal percentage of 47% despite only getting to the free throw line 15 times. Don’t misunderstand me, Virginia is still doing what they have done in the past. Shot Clock violations and turnovers forced as a result of a stingy defense along with playmakers on offense is still prevalent in Charlottesville, but you can’t help but notice that something is different. Virginia is adapting to different circumstances to find ways to win. In the VCU game they were having trouble making shots, so they stepped up their D and got to the free throw line to make up for their lack of field goals made. In the Maryland game, their opponent couldn’t seem to miss, so the Hoos matched the Terps on offense, and the turnovers that their defense forced made all of the difference. These two instances show Virginia’s maturity and ability to win in different types of game situations. Maybe it’s the talent or the experience on the roster, but make no mistake, this Virginia team is in it to win it no matter what you throw at them.