CHARLOTTE, N.C.– Virginia fell to Duke in Saturday night’s ACC title game, though Coach Ryan Odom noted his team “stood tall” and Duke “made the plays that they needed to make down the stretch.” The Cavaliers demonstrated significant improvement from a previous blowout loss to Duke earlier in the season.
A Game of Details
The contest came down to crucial details, according to players. Duke ultimately secured the 74-70 victory, winning the battle on the boards 40-31. While Virginia improved its rebounding in the second half, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. A four-minute scoring drought in the second half also proved costly, allowing Duke to build an 8-2 run.
Early Momentum, Second-Half Adjustments
Virginia started strong with a 10-0 run over 3:13, taking an early 12-6 lead. Duke, however, struggled with shooting in the first half, going 4-for-14 from beyond the arc after shooting 61.5% in their previous matchup. Virginia’s confidence and aggressive play kept the game close, with the Cavaliers trailing by only two points.
Defensively, Virginia tightened up in the second half, a marked improvement since the beginning of the season. Players credited Onyenso’s energy and leadership, as well as a focused adjustment from the coaching staff, for the defensive shift.
Looking Ahead to March Madness
Despite the loss, Virginia players expressed confidence heading into the NCAA Tournament. Dallin Hall stated the team has “unfinished business,” and Ugonna Onyenso affirmed, “We’re going to live to fight another day.” Players emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and focusing on the details that separate close victories from defeats.
Cam Boozer, despite a challenging shooting night (3-for-17), acknowledged the defensive pressure from Virginia and expressed a commitment to continued improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did UVA coach Ryan Odom say after the game?
Ryan Odom said, “Our guys stood tall…We obviously didn’t win. Duke made the plays that they needed to make down the stretch to finish it out. I thought we had a excellent opportunity there when it was tied, but it just didn’t go our way today.”
How did Virginia perform against Duke’s Cam Boozer?
UVA held Cam Boozer to a season-low 13 points, shooting 3-for-17. Boozer acknowledged his frustration but credited Virginia’s defense.
What did the Virginia players say about their performance?
Players like Devin Tillis and Dallin Hall emphasized the team’s growth throughout the season and expressed confidence heading into March Madness, despite the loss. They highlighted the importance of learning from mistakes and focusing on the details.
What will it take for the Cavaliers to advance deep into the NCAA Tournament?
