X (Twitter): @TreyKelleher3 (https://twitter.com/treykelleher3)
CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS- UVA (+1.5) VS. BOSTON COLLEGE
"Don't give up on this team quite yet. You may look like a fool in a couple of weeks." That was how I ended my article after the loss to North Carolina last Saturday, and I stand by it today.
Virginia (21-8. 12-6 ACC) escaped Silvi O. Conte Forum with a 72-68 victory on Wednesday night over Boston College (15-13, 6-11 ACC). A 9 pm tip, playing in front of a less-than-enthusiastic crowd, playing above an ice rink, and trying to crack a 2-game-losing streak. Not a beneficial combination for Virginia, but Tony Bennett had his guys well-prepared and ready to battle for their NCAA Tournament hopes.
It was certainly a sketchy start to the game as Virginia continued their offensive woes in the first half, but were also in control/had the lead the entire length of the first half thanks to their defense. The Hoos went into the locker room with a 27-23 lead. The game seemed to be getting out of control when the Eagles came out hot in the second half and eventually took their first lead of the game with 12:52 left in the game, with their largest lead being 51-48 with 7:33 left in the game. Then the under 8:00 TV timeout happened and UVA came out looking like the Golden State Warriors. Isaac McKneely hit two threes in back-to-back possessions, Jacob Groves nailed a three from the corner, Blake Buchanon added one from the free-throw line and so did McKneeley. An 11-0 run for the Hoos helped them eventually seal the game.
Top Performers: Reece Beekman had 18 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. Isaac Mckneely was 3-6 from three, had 14 points, and 4 rebounds. Jacob Groves was 3-6 from behind the arc, 13 points and 4 rebounds. Ryan Dunn grabbed 13 boards and added 8 points for Virginia.
It should be clear now that if Virginia is going to win basketball games going forward it's going to be Reece Beekman, Isaac McKneely, and Jacob Groves carrying the offensive load, with Ryan Dunn and Jordan Minor along for the ride contributing enough to keep the defense honest. Andrew Rhode, Blake Buchanan, and Dante Harris should still be seeing the floor depending on matchups. foul trouble, etc. but there is no rhyme or reason for Reece, Isaac, Jacob, Ryan, and Jordan to be anything but the lineup that gets most of the haul from here on out.
Virgina's NCAA Tournament hopes are alive and well. JUST. KEEP. WINNING. Go Hoos!
Up Next: @ Duke 3/2
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