Two teams facing the same problems entered John Paul Jones Arena. One walked out feeling a lot better about their situation than the other did. I’ll let you figure out for yourself which team is which. After spending much of the Purdue game bemoaning the lack of three-point shooting, UVA fans spent the better portion of the UNC game amazed at the three-point shooting. It was the ultimate bounce-back game for a team reeling after Tony Bennett’s most lopsided loss since getting blown out 87-52 against Tennessee on December 30, 2013. Just as importantly, the win propelled the ‘Hoos into a four-way tie for first in the ACC.
It was probably a good thing for this UVA team that they played Carolina when they did because, much like Virginia, they were in a bad way after the ACC/B1G Challenge. UNC also got blown out in said event, and on their home court no less. No doubt the Heels will improve upon their similarly abysmal shooting, so the ACC’s confusing decision to move some conference games to the beginning of December could prove advantageous for the ‘Hoos.
Positives
- The shock of the game was easily Francisco Caffaro. The seven-footer from Argentina played an instrumental role in a significant win. He exploded onto the scene for 10 points and 7 rebounds in 21 minutes. With Braxton Key out, if Caffaro can play 20 minutes off the bench, it could be huge. Even 5 points and 5 rebounds a game would be big, as his time on the court could provide a rest for other players.
- The cheers in JPJ seemed louder for threes than ever before. It was almost like a collective sigh of relief–a, ‘wow, we can actually shoot’–bolstered on those cheers. Going 6/17 from deep is important for more than the obvious reason that you get an extra point for throwing it in from behind the black arc; if the three ball continues to drop, it opens up the lane and the inside, as players have to step out to guard you. This was evident today, especially towards the end, as a couple easy baskets were made by throwing the ball inside to wide open players when UNC defenders stepped out to guard.
- Coming into the season, it was common knowledge that Tomas Woldetensae and Kody Stattmann were going to be the three-point assassins, so to speak. Eight games into the season, the consensus was that those two were better off as waterboys. While this assessment may seem a bit harsh, Stattmann and Woldetensae were failing at the one thing they were supposed to be good at. Neither possesses much athletic ability, so the four threes they combined for today were essential.
- Yes, Kihei Clark is not scoring the basketball very well as of late. But he is doing two other things that much outweigh his own scoring: Defense and assists. Clark did a very good job on the number one point guard in the 2019 class, Cole Anthony, holding him to 8 points below his season average. On the offensive end, Clark dished out as many assists (6) as the entire North Carolina team. Overall, Kihei looked in control of the game from start to finish.
Negatives
- There were a few times today when I heard myself say, “Why, ____?” The blank refers to a player wearing a Virginia uniform, and the ‘why’ refers to that player taking a stupid shot. There were three or four times where shots were taken early in the shot clock that had both a low chance of going in and were pointless. The players just have to be smarter.
- You know we’re playing really well when I put something defensive in the ‘negative’ section after holding an opponent to 47 points. But Mamadi Diakite (and sometimes Jay Huff) were letting UNC’s bigs establish position on them down low. Armando Bacot just put his butt back and pushed them all the way down to the block, where he could receive a pass, turn around and put the ball in. Luckily, Virginia did a good job doubling, and Bacot missed a few shots.
The Bottom Line
After an embarrassing outing at Purdue, the ‘Hoos got their shooting stroke back, rebounding against a highly-ranked team. The defense was stout as ever and it was a good team effort to get an important win at home.
Up Next
After a ten-day break, Virginia faces Stony Brook (7-3) at home on Wednesday, December 18th.