X (Twitter): @TreyKelleher3 (https://twitter.com/treykelleher3)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA- UVA (-3.5) VS. VIRGINIA TECH
Next season Tony Bennett might want to consider scheduling all 30 games at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers extended their home win streak to 20 after a 65-57 win over Virginia Tech on Wednesday night. This win also marks Virginia's 5th straight win over the Hokies when the Commonwealth Clash is held in Charlottesville.
Mike Young's team opened up the game on a 6-2 run, getting a three ball from both MJ Collins and Hunter Cattoor, who got the green light to play in this game minutes before tip. Virginia Tech then took the lead 11-10 after two Sean Pedulla free throws, but after a Jacob Groves three to make it 13-11 in favor of UVA, the Hokies never led again. The Hoos led 25-18 at half time and the Hokies got as close as 4 points in the second half, but UVA never let them get closer than that.
Why is this win different for Virginia? IS this win different for Virginia? I truly think it is and I have the numbers to back it up.
In the previous 11 victories this season UVA averaged a little over 7 three point field goals a game, shooting at just over 37%. They didn't live or die by the three in those games, but it was a hefty percentage of their scoring and a big reason why UVA came out on top. Yesterday, that was not the case whatsoever. Virginia made 4 threes, shot 29% from behind the arc, and the three point shot only accounted for 18% of their overall scoring.
The simple fact of knowing UVA doesn't NEED 7-10 three pointers a game to win, and can resort to other options cannot be understated. Also, Jordan Minor's development as a legit post presence on offense and defense these last two games will be a catalyst to serious improvement all-around for this team.
Having a true 5-man in Tony Bennett's system who can score, pass, defend well and attract attention down low is essential. It frees up so much on offense and creates a load of chaos for the opposition when UVA is on defense, as we saw yesterday. UVA forced 15 turnovers, had 10 steals, 18 assists, shot 46.3% from the field, and only turned the ball over 7 times.
Minor and Reece Beekman lead the Hoos with 16 points a piece. Reece added 4 steals, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds. Minor had 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Dante Harris returned to the lineup for the first time since the West Virginia game in late November, and boy was his presence felt on both sides of the floor. Harris had 5 points of his own, including a clutch baseline jumper late in the second half to help ice the game. He also added 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and a steal.
I believe the type of play we saw on offense and defense yesterday can be translated no matter where this team plays...including away from JPJ.
It wasn't perfect. Layups were still missed, important free throws were missed, and UVA gave up 11 threes to the Hokies. Still plenty to work on, but also plenty to smile about. Go Hoos!
Play of the Game: It's hard to pick one, but I am going to give it to the play that involved the two men that are going to play a huge role in turning this thing around.
Next Up: @ Georgia Tech 1/20
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