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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA: UVA (+4.5) vs. CLEMSON
Well if you needed any further proof that Tony Bennett has turned this team around, I hope you watched on Saturday. UVA (17-5, 8-3 ACC) extended their win streak to six games after a 66-65 victory over Clemson (14-7, 4-6), and now holds sole possession of second place in the ACC, just two games behind North Carolina (18-4, 10-1 ACC).
That was a true "Cardiac Cavs" type of game. UVA had no business losing that game, but it took a Jack Clark missed three at the buzzer after Dante Harris missed the front end of a one-and-one for Virginia to escape Littlejohn Coliseum with a win. Some other late game blunders, bad fouls, and bad foul calls turned UVA's 12 point second half "comfortable" lead turn into a back and fourth heart attack for the fans, but a win is a win and thank god UVA was on the right side of this one.
Play of the Game: There are a couple, and they both happened late in the game which is SO important to note. This team is learning how to make impact plays late in the game, and if they can keep that up while making a free throw or two, this team WILL be dangerous in March.
This put back by Ryan Dunn. Dunn didn't have the best offensive game, but his presence on defense, a couple hustle plays where he sacrificed his body for UVA to maintain possession of the ball, and this put back are huge reasons why UVA has a happy bus ride home.
2. Isaac McKneely showing up during crunch time yet again, this time for a four point play. It truly doesn't get better than this. The play was executed to perfection by Reece Beekman creating space and drawing attention on the other side of the court, Ryan Dunn setting a good enough screen off the ball and Isaac being the shifty, deadeye shooter that he is just hitting nothing but nylon while taking on some contact. Beautiful.
Player of the Game: Jacob Groves is the only correct answer here. 17 points, 7-9 from the field, 3-4 from beyond the arc off the bench. This is after an 18 point (6-8 from three) night against Notre Dame on Wednesday. With this recent play from Groves, UVA adds another threat on an offense that continues to improve as the year unfolds. Opponents beware.
Next Up: 2/5 vs. Miami @ 7pm
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