An ordinary Monday night became anything but when Virginia officially announced Kihei Clark’s return for a fifth season in Charlottesville. The news sent some fans into paroxysms of joy, others into painful gloom and still more into deep thought trying to puzzle out their feelings.

Time sped up, news hurtling in from various sources. London Johnson would be committing to Virginia. London Johnson would not be committing to Virginia. London Johnson would be shipping off to the G-League. 

It was announced overnight, perhaps in an attempt to draw the least attention possible. “Virginia F Igor Milicic Jr has entered the transfer portal,” read the tweet from Verbal Commits, which tracks transfers. 

Here was Virginia, playing an inferior opponent, the clock winding down, the game close, the outcome essential. All that was needed: a couple made free throws, one defensive stop and some intelligent decision-making.  The Hoos failed on all counts. 

Over seven consecutive years of NCAA Tournament participation, most Virginia fans have come to regard the NIT with a mixture of derision and indifference. Sunday night, the Hoos were officially notified they’d be playing in it.

The only logical conclusion to be drawn from the first 11 minutes of the game was that somebody had drugged Virginia’s pregame meal. Either that, or invisible lids had been discreetly placed on the rim. 

Another crazy college basketball season has arrived at the place where Cinderellas go to be crowned, title favorites struck down and bubbles punctured: Champ Week, the final stop before the NCAA’s flagship event kicks off.

Tony Bennett leaned forward from his spot standing on the sideline. Hands on bent knees, Bennett looked like a predator poised to strike. A moment later, Virginia forced a Louisville turnover. Bennett punched the air excitedly with his fist and clapped vigorously.

The last 15 seconds or so of Virginia’s most recent game made for wild viewing. The scoreboard’s inexorable countdown brought with it a tangle of searing emotions—jubilation, shock, confusion, anger—all rolled into one when the final play unfolded. The buzzer signifying the end of the game also announced the end of Virginia’s chances of earning an NCAA Tournament at-large bid.