X (Twitter): @TreyKelleher3 (https://twitter.com/treykelleher3
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - UVA (-9.5) vs. GEORGIA TECH
On a night when their NCAA Tournament hopes hung in the balance, this victory was exactly what the doctor ordered for UVA. It wasn't just a win, it was a double-digit, convincing, eye-test passing, win with the help of an efficient offensive performance that resulted in 70+ points for the Hoos.
Virginia (22-9, 13-7 ACC) hit 52% of their shots and 46% of their threes on their way to a 72-57 victory over Georgia Tech (14-17, 7-13 ACC) in their regular-season finale locking up the #3 seed in this week's ACC Tournament in Washington, DC.
Virginia moves to 13-0 when making at least six three-pointers in a game as they made 12 on Saturday night, and moves to 14-0 when they shoot at least 35% from three as they shot 46% against the Yellow Jackets.
The formula for this team to be victorious is quite simple.
They must get the ball into the paint and be effective around the hoop
UVA shot 17-30 (56.7%) forcing Georgia Tech to guard hard and start helping when Reece Beekman, Taine Murray, Isaac McKneely, etc. would drive to the hoop
This also opens up the 3-pt line and allows our shooters to have some breathing room from behind the arc
They must MAKE their 3-pointers
13-0 when they make at least six
14-0 when they shoot at least 35%
Business as usual on defense
Emphasize driving the ball/getting the rock down low, be effective shooting around the basket, look for shooters around the arc, force the opponent to guard the three, and then hound them on the defensive end. Rinse and repeat. That's what makes Virginia basketball a thing of beauty.
This is easier said than done, but seeing it again on Saturday was nice as it built confidence for the Hoos headed into ACC Tournament play.
Player Of The Game: Reece Beekman left on Senior Night in style as he finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and only 1 turnover. The crowd favorite stepped up in a big way in a must-win situation. Thank you, Reece!
Play Of The Game: None other than the Dirk Nowitzki fade away by senior walk-on, Tristan How in the waning moments of the second half. That was Tristan's third made basket of the year on six attempts. Shooting 50% over the full year is something he will certainly be telling his kids about.
Next Up: UVA will play the winner of Clemson vs. Boston College/Miami on Thursday evening @ 9:30. UVA seems to be in a "win and in" scenario and right back on the bubble with a loss. Let's Go Hoos!
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