Streaking The Lawn - All PostsUVa sports uncovered... from the Rotunda to Homer and backhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52586/stl_fav.png2024-03-18T17:44:58-04:00http://www.streakingthelawn.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T17:44:58-04:002024-03-18T17:44:58-04:003 players, 2 matchups, and 1 prediction for UVA basketball vs Colorado State
<figure>
<img alt="Virginia v Duke" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tPAz-REGegjGhBrXjavO6eiX_yk=/0x0:5713x3809/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216511/2046567730.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lance King/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Previewing Tuesday night’s First Four matchup between the Wahoos and the Rams. </p> <p id="sW2er3">Raise your hand if you thought the <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com">Virginia Cavaliers</a> were getting into the tourney. My hand is not up. I was not even watching Selection Sunday, disappointed as I was. A nice bonus to get in, and a reason to watch the First Four games on Tuesday night.</p>
<p id="U8CyXS">Colorado State is the First Four opponent, although they rank far ahead of Virginia in most advanced metrics. CSU is 38th on KenPom vs 69th for Virginia. CSU is 45th on Bart Torvik vs 57th for Virginia. The Rams have wins over Creighton (3 seed) and San Diego State (5), both better than any of Virginia’s wins. </p>
<p id="YbJyrD"><strong>Game Time:</strong> Tuesday, March 19, 9:10 PM ET<br><strong>TV:</strong> TruTV<br><strong>Streaming:</strong> NCAA March Madness, CBS/Paramount Plus, Trutv.com</p>
<h2 id="EOZT5K">Three Players To Watch</h2>
<h3 id="N9fZ1s">Isaiah Stevens </h3>
<p id="Nhtpuv">The senior PG is in his fifth season at Colorado State, where he has rewritten the record book. All time leader in games, minutes, points, assists, steals, FGs, threes, and more. The matchup of Stevens and Beekman will be the main focus of this game, and should be quite the battle.</p>
<div id="SrxoaT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sLEqkeD4zIg?clip=UgkxTUwEdiZl93C_IWVmmVWacj5EKIWgFzLi&clipt=EOjDBRj8_wU" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="wSMdcM">It’s an interesting contrast of players. Stevens is a great shooter, 43% from deep on the season and 40% for his career. This clip is a game winner over UNLV from last season. He also hit a buzzer beater three to send that game to overtime. He is a big shot maker. He’s also an 85% career free throw shooter. </p>
<p id="bdb1ge">Beekman, of course, is not that level of shooter. But Reece has size on Stevens, and he is a far better defensive player. ACC Defensive Player of the Year, <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/11/24097778/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball">maybe you heard</a>. </p>
<p id="ehdpoq">Where they are alike is in dominating the ball and generating assists. Beekman is tops in the nation in assist rate. Stevens is seventh (per KenPom). </p>
<div id="gYdf2a"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rkpl95wBXVI?clip=UgkxOkVHAdScNi6tIaKyD9HlliAAjgcRWWmq&clipt=EMTYAhjvjAM" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="3FBxC1">Pretty basic pick and roll. The patience to wait for the defense to commit before finding his big is impressive. Most of their half-court offense is pick-n-roll or dribble-handoff. Nothing Virginia hasn’t seen before. </p>
<p id="jCLvx8">CSU will move Stevens off-ball from time to time, to take advantage of his shooting.</p>
<div id="KDuPYy"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4ZmADlEMxXA?clip=Ugkx65rZvSMO-OUHxct5rJxC97LlQX71-DKL&clipt=EISwAxj03gM" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h3 id="HXWnLp">Nique Clifford </h3>
<p id="au60rs">The Rams’ defensive stopper is Clifford, a physical 6’6” wing who leads the team in rebounds, shoots 38% from deep, and guards the opposing team’s best scorer.</p>
<div id="9bLSgy"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/llajC5jE3Lk?clip=UgkxeGZBecpwrIshU4qQnzUxTteAIyH7cQsT&clipt=EKCmBhiw9AY" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="8WGlSp">Clifford comes off his man to help, and then has the vision and length to get into the passing lane for the pass back to his man. Then he leads the break. </p>
<div id="BN90UH"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hDmaUqw8dIQ?clip=Ugkx3SLyK0nUj_FrdU3opAuXM_FTOnhKLsde&clipt=EMyCAhjUqQI" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="fB3mLF">Most of his buckets are either treys or dunks. He can attack a closeout. He doesn’t do much else in the half court.</p>
<p id="NDNbzO">Clifford will likely guard Isaac McKneely. He’s big and physical and could give McKneely trouble getting good looks. We have seen what happens when teams focus on keeping McKneely from getting shots off. The entire Virginia offense bogs down. </p>
<p id="dS49cm">The addition of Taine Murray to the lineup seems to help that. Lineups with both McKneely and Murray are +4 per 100 possessions in ACC play and have an offensive rating (ORtg) of 111 (as a team, in ACC play, Virginia has an ORtg of 103 and is almost exactly even in scoring margin). </p>
<p id="y8cRgo">The lineup of Beekman, McKneely, Murray, Dunn, and Minor is +33 per 100 possessions with an ORtg of 135. It’s only 46 minutes, but it also matches the eye test that this may be their best lineup. Replacing Murray with Groves has also been successful (+13 per 100 across 48 minutes). Basically, it is imperative that two of McKneely, Murray, and Groves are on the floor at any time. </p>
<h3 id="vsw898">Joel Scott </h3>
<p id="HwvtxW">The Rams don’t have a lot of size. Scott is basically the center, and he’s just 6’7” and 225 pounds. Scott is a transfer from DII Black Hills State, where he averaged over 20 points per game over a four year career. He isn’t scoring that much in DI, but he’s been very efficient in the paint and fantastic on the glass. </p>
<div id="dS6Ja2"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FER2q6fAVOQ?clip=UgkxawwU_tuDpuOhC0NwYm5_aFeQTnPFjMY0&clipt=EJTfBRiEjgY" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="uOaBwy">This bucket comes against San Diego State’s 6’9” 240 pound big man Jaedon LeDee, one of the top big men in the nation. </p>
<p id="ArHxuU">This game will be interesting for Tony Bennett to determine matchups. CSU has multiple bigger wings at 6’7” or 6’8” and several of those guys have length and play bigger. But Jordan Minor, and especially Blake Buchanan, have quite a bit of size on the Rams’ bigs. So does Tony try to use that size to find an advantage inside? Or does he go with more perimeter players to matchup with CSU?</p>
<p id="Tzz17G">Virginia’s rotations this season have been all over the place. It isn’t unusual for Tony Bennett to alter his rotations during the season. You may recall Mamadi Diakite moving into the starting lineup during the 2019 Championship run. But this feels more like guesswork. Blake Buchanan started against BC, played just 13 minutes, and then barely got off the bench against <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a>. Maybe it’s matchup dependent, but Blake played well in 37 minutes across two previous matchups against the Pack. And let’s not even discuss Taine.</p>
<h2 id="nm7dn8">Two Key Matchups</h2>
<h3 id="i0M76n">The Glass </h3>
<p id="3Y3y21">Neither of these teams are very good on the glass, although both are far better on the defensive glass than on the other end. CSU ranks 305th in offensive rebounding and 110th in defensive rebounding. Virginia ranks 279th and 135th. Despite that, it seems like a place Virginia has an advantage due to size and personnel.</p>
<p id="1O85tP">Notably, Virginia is an elite rebounding team with Jordan Minor on the floor. In ACC play, with Minor in the lineup, Virginia has allowed just a 22.8% offensive rebound rate, which would rank 4th nationally. They also grab over 31% of their own misses, which would rank in the top third nationally. The numbers are far worse with Minor on the bench (28% allowed and 21% collected). In this matchup, with Joel Scott inside, Minor should play big minutes. Or else this might happen.</p>
<div id="iQ3mmq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hDmaUqw8dIQ?clip=UgkxI1fG3MJshEZ-FNN9nDedLz8p8HTUbI3a&clipt=EMC7ARjI4gE" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h3 id="8btvdY">Tempo </h3>
<p id="sBBqrZ">As mentioned, the Rams want to get out and run. Stevens is super quick with the basketball, and he has a bunch of athletic wings who can get out in transition and finish. </p>
<div id="SX9PNV"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MkrioWxUjr4?clip=UgkxFyjj9ecW27RDU5t-fjtq6ecC-IUjgosT&clipt=EJTlgAEYjLuBAQ" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="g6dDEc">Stevens was out in foul trouble at this point, so that’s backup PG Kyan Evans. But he pushed the ball and they get the easy bucket. </p>
<p id="19HKnW">Defensively, the Rams do not play quickly. They are just two spots behind Virginia in longest average defensive possession, per KenPom. Both teams want to grind defensively, which likely means the game will be a grind. That should be to Virginia’s advantage.</p>
<h2 id="kZVRgn">One Prediction</h2>
<p id="S57EQz">Colorado State starts five seniors, though four of those guys are transfers and two of those came from DII. So, while there’s experience, there isn’t a ton of experience together. And very little experience on this stage. Stevens is the only Ram who has played in an NCAA Tournament game before. This iteration of Virginia Basketball doesn’t have a ton of experience, but the ‘Hoos still have more than just one game of tourney experience. </p>
<p id="vWGUta">Does that matter? Virginia has been maddening to watch this season. Missed free throws, poor shooting, questionable shot selection, frustrating rotations, and just the overall missed opportunity for what could’ve been a special season with a little more consistency. </p>
<p id="BOlKyj">This team has one more opportunity to turn this season into a success. They are facing a well balanced team that doesn’t really do much at an elite level. But they also don’t have big weaknesses. The size advantage alone seems like a reason to pick the Wahoos. </p>
<p id="X93JJw">We just don’t know what kind of team will come out for the Wahoos. Honestly, we don’t even know who is in or out of the rotation right now. </p>
<p id="PBAfF7"><em><strong>Prediction: Virginia 61, CSU 54</strong></em></p>
<p id="uNx7RP"></p>
<p id="fLxpVq"></p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/18/24105261/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-colorado-state-preview-isaiah-stevensPaul Guttman2024-03-18T11:37:43-04:002024-03-18T11:37:43-04:00UVA basketball gets a chance to play with house money in the NCAA Tournament
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament Semifinal-North Carolina State vs Virginia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AiM4wh0TSfljpSVk_QLsr9jrNBs=/0x0:2947x1965/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215314/usa_today_22788118.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After a euphoric Selection Sunday, the ‘Hoos will look to prove they belong in the NCAA Tournament.</p> <p id="pfCcv8">Virginia basketball has been many things in the NCAA Tournament under Tony Bennett. Champions. The first 1-seed to ever lose to a 16-seed. Euphoric on occasion, but more often than not heartbroken. This year, though, will be a first: the Cavaliers can celebrate just making the field of 68.</p>
<p id="zCrSNJ">Nowhere is that more clear than in the video of the team’s reaction to their First Four draw, posted on their official Twitter account. In the past, Virginia’s celebrations have been muted — perhaps a few fist bumps or a round of applause as UVA received their inevitable high seed and first-round pairing with a small-school conference champion. It’s easy to stay calm and composed when Selection Sunday is a formality rather than a source of blind optimism. </p>
<p id="hRnpoc">Not this year. The scenes in the video are incredible. That’s a roomful of players who watched their team squander a six-point lead with less than a minute left and lost after a 30-foot banked-in three, then saw their bubble hopes almost certainly quashed by a Saturday chock-full of bid-thief upsets by Temple, Oregon and <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a>. As the selection show began on Sunday, just 20 of 200 “bracketologist” predictions (a measly 10%) had the ‘Hoos in the field. </p>
<div id="kL7Px6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> This is what it means!<br><br> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHoos</a> <a href="https://t.co/KDiMyngbvD">pic.twitter.com/KDiMyngbvD</a></p>— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMensHoops/status/1769527253610668397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="lM1X79">Isaiah Wilkins, the Virginia star turned grad assistant turned assistant coach who enters the bottom right frame with a surrender-cobra pose of shocked suprise, never had to worry about this before. The lowest seed UVA ever received during his tenure anchoring one of the best defenses of recent college basketball history was a 5. </p>
<p id="GI2GXx">Andrew Rohde’s spent approximately one decade fewer than Wilkins in college basketball, but also has no idea what this is supposed to feel like. His St. Thomas squad last year lost by five in the second round of the Summit League tournament to an Oral Roberts team which would get to go dancing; playing in a perpetual one-bid league, everyone on the Tommies must have known it was curtains once they bowed out of the conference tournament. It hasn’t been the easiest season for Rohde, but maybe it was all worth it for that moment of pure joy, punching the air and pushing and hugging his teammates in celebration. </p>
<p id="nUK6hZ">Imagine how Isaac McKneely must feel — a chance at redemption after his missed free throw gave North Carolina State their window of opportunity to pull victory from the jaws of defeat. The Cavaliers had a <a href="https://kenpom.com/winprob.php?g=6093">97.6% chance</a> to beat NC State when McKneely stepped to the line for his one-and-one. Or Reece Beekman, who missed his own fair share of late free throws this season; he shot 79% from the line over the first 38 minutes of games and just 56% after that. He’ll have one last shot at winning a game in the Big Dance. </p>
<p id="EhnSLR">According to the public consensus, the <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com">Virginia Cavaliers</a> should not be here, one win over Colorado State from a berth in the field of 64. Three teams were forecasted to make the tournament over the ‘Hoos: Oklahoma, St. John’s and Indiana State. The committee punished Oklahoma for their overall 8-11 conference record, St. John’s for admittedly unclear reasons (no one needs to have sympathy for Rick Pitino, but perhaps it’s worth having some for his players) and Indiana State for the crime of not playing in a Power 6 conference. </p>
<p id="2mTlTM">Because of the committee’s decision, UVA (and the ACC writ large) has now become the latest proxy war in the conflict between analytics and regular old fans — a war becoming increasingly hostile. The creator of BartTorvik, probably the second-most-prominent analytics website in college basketball, quoted <a href="https://x.com/totally_t_bomb/status/1768850996183154999?s=20">a months-old tweet</a> from a Virginia fan following the NC State loss just to dunk on him. Even Joe Lunardi himself replied to the official Pittsburgh Twitter account by <a href="https://x.com/ESPNLunardi/status/1769475910137163804?s=20">mocking their non-conference strength of schedule.</a> </p>
<p id="Kpywvl">Did Virginia <em>deserve</em> to make the tournament? That’s not a question worth asking anymore — and the team, players and fans certainly shouldn’t feel any need to self-flagellate themselves over taking a spot from a “more deserving” team. It sucks to miss the tournament. But it’s really nice to make it. That feeling is worth savoring. </p>
<p id="T8aKmW">It will be hard to feel the disappointment brought about by the weight of expectations in so many previous tournament appearances. Last year’s Virginia team was better than their last-second loss to Furman. The three NBA players on UVA’s 2021 squad were better than a COVID-tainted loss to Ohio. The 2018 roster which entered the tournament 31-2 was better than De’Andre Hunter’s wrist injury and its 20-point loss to UMBC. That 2016 one-seed which led by 15 in the final 10 minutes of the Elite Eight was better than Malachi Richardson going nuclear. 2019 aside — and to be fair, a title is a big aside — the ‘Hoos have always underperformed the weight of expectations. </p>
<p id="peaq1P">This year, that weight is gone. Vegas, KenPom and the bracket-picking public all don’t even think UVA will make it out of the First Four. At worst, Virginia loses on Tuesday night, it turns out everyone was right about the ‘Hoos not being that good, and life goes on. At best, the ‘Hoos are a Cinderella on a revenge tour against Kadin Shedrick and Isaac Traudt in the first and second rounds, respectively. Likely? No. But 24 hours ago, it felt totally impossible.</p>
<p id="Qs7eQs">At the end of the day, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the 2024 Virginia Cavaliers are simply playing with house money. Isaac McKneely put it best on Instagram in a reaction to the bracket: “They done give us a chance!” Jayden Gardner, cheering on his former teammates following the Furman heartbreak which ended his college career, echoed the sentiment: “All we needed was an opportunity!” </p>
<p id="cphYrF">The Cavaliers have their opportunity. This week, they’ll try to prove they deserve it. </p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/18/24104801/virginia-cavaliers-virginia-basketball-uva-basketball-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-tony-bennettBen Wieland2024-03-18T10:27:47-04:002024-03-18T10:27:47-04:00How to watch UVA basketball vs Colorado State and GAME THREAD
<figure>
<img alt="Virginia v Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hXsfJyOP32nxERf1kmLOzjK-RGE=/0x0:6294x4196/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215118/2085282226.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>All the info you need for Virginia’s First Four matchup with Colorado State. </p> <h2 id="HaHt7Z">
<a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com">Virginia Cavaliers</a> vs Colorado State</h2>
<h2 id="faa2Bv">How to watch</h2>
<p id="fTtBM6"><strong>Locat</strong><strong>ion</strong>: Dayton, Ohio<br><strong>Date:</strong> March 19th, 2024<br><strong>Time</strong>: 9:10 PM ET<br><strong>Channel: </strong>TruTV<br><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/ncaab?referrer=singular_click_id%3d9b9ce4c0-adb3-4227-9d91-dda8bea755ad&wpcid=166791&wpcn=Inartcile&wpcrid=CBB&wpsrc=Vox"><strong>Betting Line via DraftKings: </strong>Virginia +1.5</a></p>
<h2 id="EUoSrd">Pregame Content</h2>
<p id="TwrGkH"><a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/17/24103917/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-selection-sunday">UVA BASKETBALL SNEAKS INTO MARCH MADNESS</a></p>
<p id="Fe738j"><a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/17/24104327/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-march-madness-colorado-state-betting">UVA basketball opens as 1.5 point underdogs vs Colorado State in NCAA Tournament First Four</a></p>
<p id="ekitzo"><a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/16/24102878/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-nc-state-reece-beekman-isaac-mckneely-dj-burns">Four takeaways from UVA basketball’s late game collapse to NC State in the ACC Semifinals</a></p>
<p id="LXJSQd">Stay tuned for additional preview content as we get closer to Tuesday night’s tip!</p>
<h2 id="2BafNP">Game thread</h2>
<p id="bgWNJQ">Tipoff is at 9:10 — leave your pre, in, and post-game thoughts here and be sure to check back in for plenty of postgame content!</p>
<p id="5MXTkO">We’ll also be active on Twitter throughout the game and all season long so follow along on there for our staff’s live reactions. </p>
<p id="IpPBbI">Streaking the Lawn — <a href="https://twitter.com/STL_UVA">@STL_UVA</a></p>
<p id="m4OM6C">Ben Wieland — <a href="https://twitter.com/BenWieland">@BenWieland</a></p>
<p id="8cOnAc">Dan Siegel — <a href="https://twitter.com/DanSiegel_">@DanSiegel_</a></p>
<p id="BkeYuM">John Kurcina —<a href="https://x.com/johnkurcina?s=21&t=djq7c_JzxGz8dtwRTS7kOQ"> @JohnKurcina</a></p>
<p id="krL10U">Ryan Reese — <a href="https://twitter.com/HoosOn_First">@HoosOn_First</a></p>
<p id="Bo77Xz">Paul Guttman — <a href="https://twitter.com/TikiUVA">@Tiki_UVA</a></p>
<p id="rbOKHt">Corbin Lathrop — <a href="https://twitter.com/corbinlathrop">@CorbinLathrop</a></p>
<p id="vnY1xz">Zach Carey — <a href="https://twitter.com/zach_carey_">@Zach_Carey_</a></p>
<h2 id="XgL8K4">Game Notes</h2>
<p id="f6F4c1">Lastly, here are game notes from UVA:</p>
<p id="GQBgQb"><strong>UVA All-Time in the NCAA Tournament</strong></p>
<p id="dMDUfF">• The Cavaliers are 35-24 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.</p>
<p id="dYTpeY">• UVA is making its ninth NCAA Tournament appearance under Tony Bennett and 26th overall.</p>
<p id="iFg3nj">• UVA is 0-1 as a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament, dropping a first round contest to No. 7 seed Florida, 71-45, in Omaha, Neb.</p>
<p id="b0UD1k">• UVA won the NCAA championship in 2019 and made Final Four appearances in 1981 and 1984, respectively.</p>
<p id="jMLaaf">• Virginia head coach Tony Bennett is 16-10 in 11 NCAA tournaments, including a 13-8 record in nine NCAA berths at UVA.</p>
<p id="FansrE"><strong>Bennett in the NCAA Tournament</strong></p>
<p id="BnSZ7F">• Virginia head coach Tony Bennett is 16-10 all-time in 11 NCAA tournament appearances.</p>
<p id="70hJnq">• Bennett owns a 13-8 record in nine appearances at UVA (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023), highlighted by the 6-0 mark en route to the 2019 NCAA title.</p>
<p id="TitR9T">• He went 3-2 during two trips to the NCAA Tournament at <a href="https://www.cougcenter.com">Washington State</a> and led the Cougars to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2008.</p>
<p id="wEmfOT"><strong>All-Time vs. Colorado State and the </strong><a href="https://www.mwcconnection.com"><strong>Mountain West</strong></a></p>
<p id="DO58Uq">• Virginia meets Colorado State for the first time.</p>
<p id="VHNTmu">• UVA is 7-3 all-time vs. the Mountain West and meets its first MWC foe since defeating UNLV 75-65 on Feb. 12, 1995, at University Hall.</p>
<p id="GftyfA">• UVA is 1-1 vs. the Mountain West in the NCAA Tournament, defeating New Mexico (57-54) in 1994 and losing to Wyoming (64-60 in 1987).</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/18/24104629/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-colorado-state-how-to-watch-bettingZach Carey2024-03-18T08:02:00-04:002024-03-18T08:02:00-04:00UVA women’s basketball earns bid to inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v3wbXgq0kStz1J5B3J1kaHB8SAs=/0x0:2103x1402/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214787/Image_3_18_24_at_9.30_AM.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Photo courtesy of Virginia Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>The ‘Hoos will host their first-round contest on Thursday versus High Point. </em></p> <p id="xnTov7">After their early <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament">ACC Tournament</a> exit eleven days ago following a disappointing 58-55 loss to <a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest</a>, the <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com">Virginia Cavaliers</a> will be playing more postseason basketball this March, as the ‘Hoos have accepted a bid to the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT).</p>
<div id="IQCmUs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're ... and we're ‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHoos</a> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GNSL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GNSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/WPAVADXNth">pic.twitter.com/WPAVADXNth</a></p>— Virginia Women's Basketball (@UVAWomensHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAWomensHoops/status/1769534213332640048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="AI7PBf">Virginia, who earned a four seed, will take on High Point in a first-round matchup this Thursday. As the higher seeded team, the ‘Hoos will host the game at John Paul Jones Arena with coverage available on ESPN+.</p>
<p id="7DVbpW">With a win, the ‘Hoos would face the winner of <a href="https://www.vuhoops.com">Villanova</a> and VCU in the second round on Sunday. The higher-seeded teams will host their matchups through the first three rounds of the tournament before the final four teams head to Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University for the semifinals on April 1<sup>st</sup>.</p>
<div id="F8KVZs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> There is more basketball to be played!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHoos</a> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GNSL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GNSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/AYpGdQrA32">pic.twitter.com/AYpGdQrA32</a></p>— Virginia Women's Basketball (@UVAWomensHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAWomensHoops/status/1769535761626300700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="suAaOr">It’ll be the WBIT’s first ever field as the 32-team tournament, which essentially replaces the WNIT as the premiere postseason tournament for teams who miss out on the NCAA Tournament. It was created by the NCAA in 2023 to expand postseason opportunities in women’s basketball.</p>
<div id="BoeNq0">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE FIRST EVER WBIT BRACKET <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElevateTheGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElevateTheGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y8vUJ8e2tY">pic.twitter.com/Y8vUJ8e2tY</a></p>— Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (@wbitwbb) <a href="https://twitter.com/wbitwbb/status/1769545131307258193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="001baM">The opportunity for more postseason basketball is huge for a Virginia squad that wants to prove they’re better than the team we last saw in Greensboro. The Cavaliers’ up-and-down 2023-24 season saw some cold stretches, but also four wins over ranked opponents including a huge upset of <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a> in the final game of the regular season.</p>
<p id="3TT89S">The WBIT will give Virginia’s young core of Kymora Johnson, Paris Clark, Olivia McGhee, and Edessa Noyan some valuable postseason experience, and the Cavaliers’ seniors the chance to end their collegiate careers with a better taste in their mouth.</p>
<p id="fWdxb9">It’s the second straight year that Coach Mox has earned Virginia a postseason tournament invitation since arriving in Charlottesville. The ‘Hoos earned a WNIT bid last March but had to turn the opportunity down due to a lack of available healthy players.</p>
<p id="j0mY7l">This March, however, the ‘Hoos are ready to play, and as we’ve seen in spurts this season, certainly have the talent to make some noise in the first ever WBIT.</p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/18/24104483/virginia-cavaliers-uva-womens-basketball-virginia-basketball-wbit-high-point-coach-moxCorbin Lathrop2024-03-18T07:02:00-04:002024-03-18T07:02:00-04:00Five takeaways from UVA baseball’s series win over #7 Wake Forest
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Is8EpFC1c6v4aYTdCx4pm4KGqfQ=/24x0:2118x1396/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214681/Image_3_18_24_at_9.13_AM.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Photo courtesy of Virginia Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The projected Atlantic and Coastal division winners clashed in an early weekend series and the ‘Hoos took two of three</p> <p id="UtGJLc">Sunday was a good day for <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com">Virginia Cavaliers</a> fans. Not only did the ‘Hoos sneak into <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/17/24103917/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-selection-sunday">March Madness</a>, but the baseball team clinched a series win over the ACC’s top dog Wake Forest, improving to 16-4 overall.</p>
<p id="6aREm8">This week’s action on the diamond started on Tuesday, when UVA took care of in-state foe William & Mary 6-2, thanks to a big sixth inning. Cullen McKay took the mound on Friday to open the <a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest</a> series and, despite getting roughed up, the Cavaliers exploded in two separate frames to win 16-10. </p>
<p id="5JdF9U">The bats did not have the same life on Saturday, and the Deacs handled business with a 9-3 victory of their own. However, the Cardiac Cavs delivered in the clutch on Sunday, taking the rubber match 11-10 in extra innings. Here is what we are taking away from a successful week:</p>
<h2 id="ZU0ax2">The Cavaliers improve to 3-0 in extra inning games</h2>
<p id="p5QYOL">Sunday’s late game heroics reinforced that no UVA baseball game is over until the last out is officially made. After Virginia jumped ahead 5-3 in the fourth, Wake Forest scored eight unanswered runs, and the natural reaction was, “here we go again.”</p>
<p id="LAYgRo">Unlike the Miami series, though, UVA did not let a blown lead be the whole story. The ‘Hoos tacked on one in the seventh and three more in the eighth. When they were eventually down to their final strike, Casey Saucke came through with an opposite field home run to tie it. </p>
<div id="9i8lL6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TWO OUTS. TWO STRIKES. <br><br>NO ONE BETTER!!! <br><br> : ACCNX | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHoos</a> <a href="https://t.co/kKx8nsr9HC">pic.twitter.com/kKx8nsr9HC</a></p>— Virginia Baseball (@UVABaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVABaseball/status/1769469638654533721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="OHOuSi">Then, Kevin Jaxel, who has had a brutal start to 2024, returned to his previous self, quickly retiring the side in order in the top of the tenth. Sure, a pair of Wake Forest fielding blunders sealed the deal, but then bottom line is Cavaliers put themselves in position to be successful. As the broadcast emphasized, there’s a fine line between Division-1 defenses and MLB defenses, so generating pressure on the defense goes a long way.</p>
<h2 id="QkHAHK">Jacob Ference is still the same productive player at this level</h2>
<p id="Oyz1Aj">The DIII-Salisbury graduate transfer was tasked with stepping into a premier high major lineup and handing much of the catching duties. One would expect growing pains for someone who was adept to a much lower level of baseball but Ference has not been phased. Simply put, he can rake. </p>
<p id="LV0bQA">Over Ference’s two starts this weekend, he went 5-for-8 with two walks and three home runs. On the season, he leads the team in all three basic hitting categories, slashing .474/.580/.947. It is safe to say coach O’Connor will want to make every effort to insert him in the lineup daily, whether he is behind the plate or the designated hitter.</p>
<h2 id="v5sz4Y">Jack O’Connor further proves himself in the bullpen...then gets injured</h2>
<p id="gOUcuN">The second-year right-hander, who initially was demoted from the rotation, was quickly earning a major role in a struggling bullpen. O’Connor had a trio of successful outings this week, headlined by holding the fort in Friday’s shootout with a three inning, shutdown save.</p>
<p id="Tmo6Ge">O’Connor was called upon again on Sunday, and after his third batter faced, which ended on a pitch that missed the plate badly, he immediately looked into the dugout. He was promptly removed from the game.</p>
<p id="RUpvVM">Just a tough break, especially for a guy that was coming into his own.</p>
<h2 id="ly6HUW">Virginia’s outfield defense is a clear strength</h2>
<p id="lGlgep">No, they are not perfect. Harrison Didawick did lose a fly ball in the sun in the first inning of Saturday’s contest. But Didawick also showed off his range this weekend by making SportsCenter’s Top Ten on a diving catch down the left field line.</p>
<div id="HY9WT0">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Harrison Didawick No. 3️⃣ on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCTop10?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCTop10</a> <a href="https://t.co/0Vr10SHjI3">pic.twitter.com/0Vr10SHjI3</a></p>— Virginia Baseball (@UVABaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVABaseball/status/1769041841830105422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="cxRvQI">Generally speaking, the ‘Hoos have two would-be center fielders in Didawick and Bobby Whalen and a hose of a right field arm in Casey Saucke.</p>
<h2 id="Qgzpu0">The future of the pitching staff is in good hands</h2>
<p id="XdLGSC">A lot can be said about coach O’Connor not grabbing an established veteran pitcher in the portal this offseason a la Nick Parker. Regardless, nobody can dispute the amount of young talent this staff has.</p>
<p id="2ALwBU">Some of the freshmen arms got some action this weekend and showed reasons to be excited. Matt Augustin has stood out the most, wrapping up his weekend with a scoreless eighth inning on Sunday. Bryson Moore and Freddy Beruvides have also flashed upside in their limited action. A major selling point at UVA is that the first-years will play, and the most recent class has not disappointed coach O’Connor for having that philosophy.</p>
<p id="oEG0hJ"></p>
<p id="o3r5HQ"></p>
<p id="6Jquga"></p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/18/24104399/virginia-cavaliers-uva-baseball-virginia-baseball-wake-forest-casey-saucke-ethan-anderson-walkoffDan Siegel2024-03-17T19:16:46-04:002024-03-17T19:16:46-04:00UVA basketball opens as 1.5 point underdogs vs Colorado State in NCAA Tournament First Four
<figure>
<img alt="Virginia v Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GReHtMpIhNJ89QzfdzWTPGT7-z4=/0x0:6923x4615/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214013/2085099954.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Looks like the ‘Hoos will be underdogs on Tuesday. </p> <p id="zIzre6">With the <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com">Virginia Cavaliers</a> sneaking into the 2024 NCAA Tournament as a no. 10 seed and slated to play fellow no. 10 Colorado State seed in the “First Four” on Tuesday, initial betting lines have the Wahoos slated as the underdog. </p>
<div id="CTYYpM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> ' !<br><br> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHoos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHoos</a> <a href="https://t.co/dvCh1dJ1oC">pic.twitter.com/dvCh1dJ1oC</a></p>— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAMensHoops/status/1769490365365584132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="uWT2s3"><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/ncaab?referrer=singular_click_id=9b9ce4c0-adb3-4227-9d91-dda8bea755ad&wpcid=166791&wpcn=Inartcile&wpcrid=CBB&wpsrc=Vox&category=game-lines&subcategory=game">According to DraftKings’ betting lines, the Wahoos are entering Tuesday’s matchup as 1.5 point underdogs.</a> The over/under sits at 118.5, and Colorado State is -125 to take the win compared to Virginia’s +105. </p>
<p id="DiNo78">The contest between the two 10-seeds will be played at 9:10 PM ET Tuesday on truTV. After UVA’s string of 9:30 tips in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament">ACC Tournament</a>, it’d sure be nice to get an earlier tip. Alas, this is life in the First Four. </p>
<p id="NmauEy">For further odds, UVA currently is listed at +20,000 to win the national championship with just 23 of the 67 other teams in the tournament listed with worse odds. With how much the program has struggled with being upset in March, maybe it’ll pay off to be the underdogs for a change? Right?</p>
<p id="SETVBC">Either way, we get to watch more meaningful basketball for Virginia in 2024! And Reece Beekman gets another crack at March Madness! Who woulda thunk it this morning?!</p>
<p id="v0yhwt"></p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/17/24104327/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-march-madness-colorado-state-bettingZach Carey2024-03-17T18:45:04-04:002024-03-17T18:45:04-04:00UVA BASKETBALL SNEAKS INTO MARCH MADNESS
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Men’s Final Four - National Championship - Texas Tech v Virginia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b69SlIwtEOP9il0DjhuPIIQXPps=/0x0:4650x3100/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213949/1141351099.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The ‘Hoos will play Colorado State in the First Four. </p> <p id="bBACfl">THE <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com">VIRGINIA CAVALIERS</a> ARE GOING DANCING. </p>
<div id="ICGfDc">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Every single UVA basketball fan right now <a href="https://t.co/V9Yhhr6obb">pic.twitter.com/V9Yhhr6obb</a></p>— Zach Carey (@Zach_Carey_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zach_Carey_/status/1769490824004338150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="RNxC18">The bid stealers, bubble demons, and all the bracketologists in the world don’t matter because Tony Bennett’s Wahoos have a chance to win their first NCAA Tournament game in five years on Tuesday. </p>
<p id="3lnyXV">Despite an unfortunate string of events that seemingly had UVA on the outside looking in heading into Selection Sunday, the ‘Hoos are now heading to the “First Four” in Dayton as a no. 10 seed where they’ll play Colorado State for the chance to tip off against the no. 7 seed <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a> in the first round in Charlotte on Thursday. The game against Colorado State will be at 9:10 PM on Tuesday on TruTV. </p>
<p id="KGUcs5">Finishing with a 23-10 record, being the third place finisher in the ACC, having reached the conference’s semifinals, and lacking any Quad 3 or 4 losses to blemish their resume, it looks like Virginia did just enough to eke their way into the most popular tournament in sports. </p>
<p id="XAB56i">Should UVA advance past the First Four and Texas in the first round, they’ll tip off versus no. 2 seed Tennessee or former tournament darling Saint Peter’s for a chance at reaching the Sweet 16.</p>
<div id="HWzN6N">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Midwest Region <a href="https://t.co/c44mnu5ezU">pic.twitter.com/c44mnu5ezU</a></p>— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1769491729105748370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="14nXme">We’ll have plenty of more coverage of the matchup with Colorado State and Virginia’s odds of advancing in the Midwest region as the tournament progresses. For now though, it’s time to rejoice that the Cavaliers are going dancing!</p>
<p id="bn0uGp"></p>
<p id="nnYeIf"></p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/17/24103917/virginia-cavaliers-uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-selection-sundayZach Carey2024-03-17T07:00:00-04:002024-03-17T07:00:00-04:00March Madness 2024: How to watch Selection Sunday with UVA on the bubble
<figure>
<img alt="Virginia v NC State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7feVY1ErxkjA4172tDiBkeo5IxI=/0x0:5835x3890/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212868/2087818210.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How to watch today’s selection show as the Wahoos await their fate. </p> <p id="CyoMSi">The <a href="https://www.streakingthelawn.com">Virginia Cavaliers</a> are squarely on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament after falling to <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a> in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament">ACC Tournament</a> Semifinals on Friday night. They will be watching with everyone else on Sunday to see if the Selection Committee deems them worthy of a bid and, if so, who, when, and where they play. </p>
<p id="1N5EHx">Unfortunately, even if the ‘Hoos make it, they’ll likely have to go to Dayton to play in the First Four. But you never really know!</p>
<p id="JTBBqd">Here’s information on how you can watch the men’s selection show on CBS. </p>
<h1 id="fb9xzW">Selection Sunday Information</h1>
<p id="g7YTco">Time: 6:00 pm ET<br>TV: CBS<br>Online streaming: Paramount+, Max, FuboTV</p>
<p id="cRbNZS">As you look to fill out your brackets, you can also use the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/ncaab?referrer=singular_click_id%3d9b9ce4c0-adb3-4227-9d91-dda8bea755ad&wpcid=166791&wpcn=Inartcile&wpcrid=CBB&wpsrc=Vox">DraftKings betting lines</a> to guide your decision-making. And, if the ‘Hoos make the tournament, that’s where you can find odds and lines for all their NCAA Tournament games. </p>
<p id="Z8aayV">Also, stay tuned to the blog for breaking news and analysis when the bracket is released along with more substantive stuff as the week progresses. It’s the best time of the year for college basketball, and we couldn’t be terrified to see how things play out for the ‘Hoos. </p>
<p id="MuDm2L"></p>
https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2024/3/17/24101904/selection-sunday-show-start-time-tv-channel-cbs-march-madness-live-2024-virginia-basketballZach Carey