The University of Virginia’s men’s basketball team is reeling. Gone is the sweet, new car smell of Tony Bennett’s first season in Charlottesville. Left over is the odor of a bunch of smelly, fraternity guys living together on 14th Street near the Corner. Things are not getting better, they are getting worse.
The Hoos have lost seven straight ACC games and are in serious danger of finishing the season with 10 straight losses. Things have gotten so bad that I actually went to my first women’s game ever last week. And guess what? The UVA women’s team lost that game to Florida State. I have to say, I did enjoy the game and watching Monica Wright score 23 in the loss.
Well, what’s the matter with the Hoos? Are they really that bad? Is there anything positive out there on the horizon for my beloved Wahoos other than the five guys coming in to play for Bennett next season? One thing I do like is the emergence of Jerome Meyinsse’s offensive ability. It reminds me a little bit of former Hoo Jason Rogers last couple of games in college. Remember in 2003 when he sat the pine for four years and then had that huge effort against Maryland in the regular season finale? Jerome has been a starter for most of the year, so it’s a little different, but man, where has THIS Jerome been? Last time out Jerome had a career-high 21 points against a very talented #5 Duke squad. He looked great on defense, too. Blocked a shot, filled up the lane well, and rebounded like a beast.
I also (very recently) like the effort of Assane Sene on defense. He’s getting a little more comfortable out there with his footwork. It’s almost like a light has come on for him in the last week. The Hoos could really use 5 defensive blocks and 8-10 points for the number five position as they finish up their season and attempt to get back to Madison Square Garden for the NIT Final Four. Since we are not certain if Sylven Landesberg (deep thigh bruise) will play Wednesday in Chestnut Hill, the Hoos could really use an offensive injection. Paging Sammy Zeglinski? Jeff Jones? Will Sherrill? Hello? Anyone?
So, the Hoos travel to Boston to play BC Wednesday evening. Virginia lost to the Eagles last season in their only meeting 70-80. In that game (which seems like five years ago) Sylven scored 32 points in the loss. BC looks very similar to the Hoos on paper. BC is 5-9 in the ACC and 14-14 overall. Virginia is 5-9 and is 14-13 overall. BC is 4-6 in their last 10 games and as we painfully know here in Charlottesville, Virginia is 2-8 in the last 10 with two of those losses coming in overtime.
Boston College does not have a superstar on their roster, but has four guys that average in double-figures. Their leading scorer is Joe Trapani who averages about 15 a game and is also (by far) their leading rebounder. Reggie Jackson adds 13 a game and Corey Raji can occasionally have a big-game as well. BC scores outscores their opponents 978-862 in the first-half of play and then gets outscored in the second half 997-983.
Virginia is averaging 66.4 ppg. and is allowing their opponents to average 63.3 ppg. It could get ugly early up at BC. The Hoos have not been starting out the first half on fire recently, have they?
I think Virginia can win this game, but won’t. Hoos 60 BC 74. Virginia’s next game will be Senior Day at the JPJ against Maryland Saturday March 6. Go Hoos!
