Virginia Basketball: Burning Questions for Cavaliers' Postseason

The regular season is over and Virginia's success on the basketball court is now a distant memory. The NCAA tournament starts this week, and it's a new season for everyone. 

The Cavaliers are ready for a new start. An early exit in the ACC tournament was a disappointment for the Hoos. And, on Sunday, they received another disappointment when it was announced they would be a No. 2 seed in the East. Just two weeks ago, it was unfathomable that Virginia would be anything but a No. 1 seed.

Head coach Tony Bennett isn't too concerned about seeding, per Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post:

"

Ranking, seeding and all those things, I really think it is for the fans. I get matchups are important and all of that stuff, but we've been around this long enough that we don’t worry too much about that stuff at all. This is a great opportunity.

"

As the Cavaliers get set to begin their postseason run, here are four burning questions facing Virginia on the eve of the NCAA tournament. 

Can Virginia Put the Last 2 Weeks Behind Them?

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Virginia guard Malcolm Brogdon against UNC in the ACC tournament

Virginia was 28-1 entering the regular-season finale at Louisville. Malcolm Brogdon hit a three-pointer with just under 10 seconds remaining to give Virginia the lead, only to to allow Louisville to hit a game-winner as time expired. 

Not a bad loss. That's just life in the big leagues.

Fast forward six days later in the semifinals of the ACC tournament against North Carolina. The Cavaliers struggled on both ends of the floor for the first 34 minutes of the game. Behind Brogdon, though, Virginia made a late run to cut the lead to one point before some ill-advised shots allowed the Tar Heels to upset the Hoos. 

The biggest problem for Bennett in those two losses were Virginia's defensive struggles, especially against UNC. The Tar Heels shot 55 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three-point range.

That's not Virginia defense.

This team always seems to bounce back from struggles. If the Cavaliers can't put losses in two of their last three games behind them, they could be in for a short run in the NCAA tournament. 

What Can Virginia Expect from Mike Tobey?

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Virginia center Mike Tobey

In 7'0", 253-pound junior center Mike Tobey, Virginia has a matchup nightmare. Tobey can step out and hit 15-foot jumpers and score with either hand around the basket.

The only problem for Virginia is that Tobey isn't the most consistent performer. 

In two of Virginia's last five games, Tobey went scoreless. In the loss to UNC in the ACC tournament, Tobey played just nine minutes due to foul trouble. Tobey can take over games, but he doesn't stay aggressive on the offensive end. He needs to look for his own shot more often. 

If the Cavaliers are to make a run at a national championship, they need Tobey to step up big over the next few weeks. 

Can Justin Anderson Recapture His Early Season Form?

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Justin Anderson

Junior guard Justin Anderson was averaging 14 points per game and shooting almost 49 percent from three-point range before breaking a finger on his shooting hand in a win over Louisville on Feb. 7.

Anderson seemed primed for a return in the regular-season finale at Louisville before undergoing an appendectomy just two days before that game, putting his status for the ACC tournament in jeopardy.

Well, Anderson returned for the ACC tournament, but he clearly wasn't himself. And it wasn't so much his energy or athleticism that suffered, but the still-injured shooting hand that had his ring and pinky fingers taped together, hindering his shooting ability.

Defenders often left Anderson open in the UNC game or forced him to dribble solely with his left hand. Belmont will undoubtedly try to force Anderson to do the same. So will other opponents in the NCAA tournament if Virginia advances. Anderson needs to knock down a few shots this Friday to show everyone he's back and still a major scoring threat.

Can the Hoos Get Past Michigan State?

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Virginia lost to Michigan State in last season's tournament

If the Cavaliers get by Belmont on Friday, they will likely face a Michigan State team—if the Spartans beat Georgia—that beat them in last season's NCAA tournament. 

This Michigan State team isn't one of head coach Tom Izzo's best squads, but the same could be said of last season's team. Izzo, however, knows how to have his teams ready for the postseason.

This is Izzo's 20th season at Michigan State, it's his 18th straight NCAA tournament appearance. Izzo has led the Spartans to 12 Sweet 16 appearances, eight Elite Eights, six Final Fours and one national championship.

If Virginia plays Michigan State, it will be a matchup between two of the best defensive teams in the country. Much like last year's battle, don't expect a lot of scoring. 

Of course, both teams have to win their first game or this won't happen. The Cavaliers will likely look forward to a rematch against the Spartans to avenge last year's tournament ouster. 

But remember, be careful what you wish for.