Finally, once and for all, Virginia fans can breathe easily. The Wahoo faithful were given an all-too-familiar story, as 14-seeded Wright State gave UVA all they could handle. However, this time, the alternative version of the script was finally written as the Cavaliers pulled away in the final minutes for an 82-73 victory, avoiding a catastrophic upset.
Wright State head coach Clint Sargent identified the clear strengths in Virginia’s defense, and thus, attacked it in a unique way. Ugonna Onyenso,
after breaking the ACC Tournament record for total blocks, was ultimately a non-factor in the box score, because the Raiders did not even try to attack the rim with him in the paint.
Wright State instead embraced their smaller lineup, spaced the floor, and attacked Virginia’s more vulnerable defenders with ball screens. Whereas the ‘Hoos were previously able to run shooters off the line with their guards and funnel opponents into the shot blockers, the Raiders wanted no part of that. Instead, they took advantage of UVA’s inability to get over screens and/or their late tags on the roller and shot a ton of jumpers.
6-foot-7 big Michael Imariagbe, who had not attempted a three-pointer since December, was all of a sudden given the green light and led the team with five triples. A more established shooter, Soloman Callaghan, added four of his own from deep. As a team, Wright State shot 13-for-31 (41.9%) on threes.
How did Virginia survive?
Defensive adjustments in the second half certainly helped. But, it ended up being their ability to maintain the offensive pressure and match the Raiders with countless big shots of their own.
Jacari White was in peak form on Friday afternoon, going 6-for-8 from long range off the bench, and attacking aggressive closeouts with a few pivotal buckets at the rim to seal the game. White finished with a game-high 26 points.
While Thijs De Ridder only had 10 points and 2 assists, and turned the ball over carelessly a few times (quite frankly everyone had their moments in that regard), he was the much-needed safety net for Virginia’s offense as well. The attention that De Ridder attracts in the high post frees up shooters, which he has increasingly capitalized on as a passer, and he always seems to come up with a key offensive rebound after a missed three.
At the end of the day, Virginia dealt with a mound of adversity — their opponent was uncharacteristically hot from three, they were challenged with unique schematic looks on both ends, and at the around the five minute mark, Sam Lewis was charged with a questionable technical foul, which could have turned the tide for good.
Nonetheless, this Ryan Odom team responded maturely, ending the game on a 15-3 run, and making sure that history did not repeat itself once more.
Virginia will take on the winner of the 6-seeded Tennessee Volunteers and the 11-seeded Miami RedHawks on Sunday. We will have plenty more analysis on this Round of 64 win as well as the path to the second weekend ahead.
