Virginia-Clemson: Cavaliers DOA Against Tigers

The way these columns usually work is, I say: “If Virginia does 'x' better, they’ll be able to win more basketball games.”

I mix in some research on statistics and a few less-than-clever witticisms and voila, an article is produced.  

After last night’s blowout loss to Clemson, "x" consists of both offense and defense. The AP described the game thusly, “K.C. Rivers hit eight three-pointers and scored a career-high 32 points Thursday night as Clemson embarassed[sic] reeling, inept Virginia 82-51.”  (Yes, they spelled embarrassed incorrectly, pretty unbelievable.)

Other words that might describe the loss:

     - beat-down

     - thumping

     - pounding

     - whipping

     - thrashing

     - demolition

     - annihilation

Pick your favorite noun relating to destruction and embarrassment. 

Coach Leitao must feel like an ER doctor at this point: he’s been hitting the team with the defibrillator paddles, but there are simply too many parts of the system failing to save the body. 

As Mamadi Diane said, "I get the feeling that we're dead. I don't think it's a problem I can put my finger on, but I really get the feeling that just everything's dead."

As much as I hate to say it, the players quit on him last night, which is shocking.  

In general, I thought they had the utmost confidence in him, but now it’s definitely starting to waiver. When even Mike Patrick picks up on the drop off in effort, it must be bad. How did the train derail from the season so quickly? 

A buddy of mine asked me today if I thought Virginia could right the ship and get to the NIT. My reaction was, “Before last night, absolutely. After last night, I doubt it.” That’s how bad the loss was.

I have no recommendations for the team. I’m just glad that Rob Mahini from the Good Ol’ Blog finally posted today. He usually posts at the end of the game. I was beginning to worry about him.