Not very pretty, but give Virginia credit for a bounce-back win Tuesday evening, defeating Wake Forest, 75-70.
The win, coming after a humbling loss to Duke on Saturday, secures the #2 seed in the ACC Tournament that starts in Charlotte next week.
In Ryan Odom’s first season at UVA, the Cavaliers moved to 14-3 in ACC play, and 26-4 overall. More importantly, as a result, the No.2 seed Virginia earns a double-bye in the conference tournament.
That means playing just three games and getting a few extra days to watch the other teams tear themselves apart.
Miami, North Carolina, Clemson and NC State (barely) are competing for the last two double-byes.
The Tar Heels advanced closer to earning a double-bye with a 70-67 victory against Clemson on Tuesday.
ICYMI: UVA vs. Wake Forest
- UVA Basketball: ‘Hoos hold off upset-minded Wake Forest, post 75-70 win
- UVA Basketball: Wake was feisty, took ‘Hoos to the limit, in 75-70 loss
- I’ve had all I’m ever going to take from the folks who run UVA Athletics
Why wasn’t it pretty?
In Durham Saturday against #1 Duke, Virginia missed 28 of 35 three-point attempts.
Looking for a quick start from behind the arc, Virginia didn’t get it Tuesday.
The Cavaliers missed their first eight three-point shots and finished a mere 3-of-17 from beyond the arc in the opening half.
It was a miserable shooting performance from both teams in the opening 20 minutes, as they combined to go 18-of-62 from the floor.
Somehow, despite the terrible shooting, Virginia went into the lockers at halftime with a 32-24 lead.
UVA performed better on the offensive end after halftime, making 7-of-15 three-pointers and finishing 10-of-32 overall from beyond the arc.
Why was it pretty?
Virginia didn’t let the bludgeoning by Duke defeat them more than once.
The Cavaliers simply could not put Wake Forest away. On five different occasions, UVA built double-digit leads, only to watch the Demon Deacons fight back to within striking distance.
Including the final minute and change left, when Wake got way too close for comfort, fighting back from a nine-point deficit to force the Cavaliers to win the game at the foul line.
Virginia, however, never folded and hung on to beat Wake Forest for the 14th time in their last 16 meetings.
The win, regardless of how it came, keeps Virginia at home for an extra day while the ACC Tournament kicks off.
Speaking of threes
With Tuesday’s 10 made threes, Virginia has now made 10 or more three-pointers in 19 games this season. On the flip side, UVA, with its 32 three-point attempts, has now tossed up 30 or more bonus shots 12 times this season.
Next
The Cavaliers close out the regular season hosting Virginia Tech on Saturday at noon.
The Hokies will likely arrive in Charlottesville with their hair on fire, as they need a quality win to enhance their NCAA Tournament hopes.
Tech took care of business Tuesday, defeating Boston College, 72-63, in Cassell Coliseum.
UVA will be looking to even the season series after dropping a three-overtime game to Tech on New Year’s Eve, 95-85.
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