Virginia’s Two Game Win Streak: Tempered Enthusiasm

I can’t even begin to tell you how pleased I was about Virginia’s win versus NC State. I have the inside track on winning $1. I just recently got DVR and could watch the game as much as I wanted. It was a perfect pipe-dream Sunday.

Then, I looked at the box score.

At first blush, the results appear positive. Virginia scored 104 points per 100 possessions, while holding State to 80 points per 100 possessions. The Wahoos pulled off a tremendous feat there, but…shouldn’t the game have been won by more than 18 points?

To the casual observer, I’m nitpicking at a great Virginia win.

However, Virginia forced an unbelievable 27 turnovers, leading to a number of easy Virginia baskets. Yet, the game was clearly not decided until Calvin Baker drained two threes with about seven minutes to go.  How were they not up more at that point?

Virginia also earned the two victories against Boston College and NC State, fellow ACC catfish like Virginia—not exactly Duke and Carolina. Perhaps these types of wins should be expected from the Wahoos.

Lars Mikalauskas really has made a huge difference in the middle for the Cavs. By playing the five when Ryan Pettinella needs a rest, he’s allowed Mike Scott (or Jamil Tucker) to maintain his position the four spot and Adrian Joseph at the three. 

This lineup gives Virginia some height at the small forward and power forward spots. I also commend the switch-outs Virginia has made with Mamadi Diane and Joseph—never keeping them on the floor at the same time. Shame it’s taken so long to figure this out, but Virginia’s had it tough this season.

Virginia currently faces an excellent Miami team in Coral Gables. Miami has been on a roll recently, winning their last four games. 

I’m torn in this game about who to root for—I’d love to see Miami get in the NCAA tournament to represent the ACC, but at the same time, it’s time for Virginia to relish the role of spoiler going into the ACC tournament.