The Virginia Cavaliers Men’s basketball team moved to 2-0 last Friday night after an 81-62 victory over the NC Central Eagles (0-2). The eye test and the box score heroes would not suggest a dominant performance from the ‘Hoos, but there was still plenty to be excited about as the Ryan Odom era continues.
I was on the floor capturing every moment of the game, and here are my top five shots from the win.
5. Puzzling Officiating
Not to be that guy, but I’m going to be that guy. The officiating in this game was questionable
at best. This shot was taken after a delay-of-game call on Virginia during an inbound pass. There is a five-second count for a reason, so the delay-of-game warning was utterly unnecessary and left Ryan Odom and the entire Virginia bench confused. It’s early season for the refs, too; we must remember.
4. Living above the rim
Thijs De Ridder picked up right where he left off after his successful college basketball debut with another box score filler. He accounted for 20 points, five boards, two assists, and knocked down three of his four three-point attempts. Two of his 20 points came from this slam late in the first half. It is only a matter of time before the college basketball world starts talking about De Ridder.
3. Back in the groove
Malik Thomas struggled in his first game as a Cavalier against Rider, shooting 1-10 from the field, but answered that with a strong performance against NC Central. He had 12 points, dished out six assists, and drained two threes in his 25 minutes. There is still a lot we haven’t seen from Malik, but a solid night like this could be the catalyst for seeing the Malik Thomas that averages 19.9 points and shot nearly 40% from three last year at San Francisco.
2. The Jacarmy
The creativity out of this group of UVA students is second to none, and the commitment to the bit is like no other. Jacari White has an unwavering fanbase for his time in Charlottesville, hereby known as the Jacarmy.
1. The Highflyer
Ugonna Onyenso got up for this alley-oop pass from Chance Mallory late in the second half. We will see this exact combo many times this season if the big man from Nigeria is used appropriately.
