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The Virginia Cavaliers are far from an offensive juggernaut. Playing at a slow pace while relying on strong defense is a staple of the Tony Bennett system.
In past years, that’s worked, with the Cavs taking home the national title in 2019. Unfortunately, the team on the floor this season won’t see the same fate.
UVA started the 2024 edition of March Madness as many expected – poorly.
The Cavaliers entered NCAA Tournament play averaging 63.6 points per game, the lowest mark in the ACC. They fell well shy of that on Tuesday.
An abysmal first half of action saw the offense put up just 14 points while shooting just 17% from the field. The group went scoreless over the final nine minutes-plus as they fell behind by double digits early.
The struggles continued at the start of the second half with the team continuing that drought for three more minutes.
In all, nearly 13 minutes of game action across 20 consecutive missed shots. Brutal.
Controversy surrounded the Cavs’ initial inclusion in the field, and the pitiful performance did little to quiet those that believed the Hoos didn’t deserve a spot in the tournament to begin with.
UVA got into the First Four over a handful of snubs.
Those included Indiana State, Seton Hall, St. John’s, and Providence.
Most pointed to the metrics when making cases for others to be picked in the Cavs’ place, and they’ve been proven correct.
Virginia not doing a whole lot to silence the Virginia-shouldn’t-have-gotten-a-bid crowd.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 20, 2024
Virginia was rated No. 54 in the final NET Rankings, but leapfrogged others in front of them to steal a bid. The selection committee is likely kicking itself following a disappointing opening night.
Those snubs will be sure to let them hear it!