The UVA faithful was in the midst of condemning Woldo to social media hell after he fell into Christian Keeling and sent him to the line for 3 free throws. With each free throw made, social media lit up with more negativity.
But we fickle fans lifted Woldo on our collective shoulders just 8 game-time seconds later. As Kihei raced to the rim, down 1 with the clock ticking towards a damaging loss, he once again blew by the UNC guards. But waiting behind the guards was the help, cutting off Kihei’s shot. Instead, reminiscent of Ty Jerome’s drive to the rim in regulation against Texas Tech in the title game, Clark found Woldo on the baseline. Woldo’s fake and subsequent shot sent the Hoos ahead for good with 0.8 seconds left.
It wasn’t exactly a quality victory in the objective sense: UNC had lost 4 in a row going into the game and is last in the ACC. But any road win in conference is critical, and the last second poise is the opposite of what we saw earlier in the season.
It was just a month ago that the Hoos lost games after leading with 3 minutes to go. In 2 of the last 3 games, they have held on. Maybe they’re improving or maybe it’s simply luck. After all, in a 1 point game, any shot falling to one side of the rim or another could be equal part luck and skill. But for the Hoos, the luck could be a sign of progress. A wise man once said: “I believe in luck, and the harder I work the luckier I get.” The Hoos have worked plenty hard and that helps change their fortune… just like Jefferson alludes to in his statement.
Virginia’s path to victory was shaky, at best. Key was nowhere to be found on the offensive end, and Huff’s confidence appears so shot that he isn’t even looking anywhere near the direction of the hoop. Virginia needs these veterans to step up in order to make the Dance. But other signs were good.
Diakite appears ready to focus again. He’s doing more of what made him a pre-season all-ACC player: great moves and athleticism around the rim. Virginia needed each such move to make Woldo’s ending a possibility. But perhaps the best news was Casey Morsell’s success. 10 second half points were critical by a player that clearly has all the tools necessary to contribute. If this gives Morsell the confidence needed to contribute consistently, we could see a whole new Virginia.
That, added to Diakite’s resurgence, Woldetensae’s three-point shooting, and Kihei’s stellar play recently might just be the things Virginia needs to secure its spot in the big dance.