Game 19: UVA vs. NC State

X (Twitter): @TreyKelleher3 (https://twitter.com/treykelleher3)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA- UVA (-6.5) VS. NC STATE

This was the ultimate "a win is a win" type of game for Virginia (14-5, 5-3 ACC) as they took home their third straight victory by a score of 59-53 over NC State (13-6, 5-3 ACC).

Virginia had five players in double figures yet they shot 36.9% from the field, they outrebounded NC State 20-7 on the offensive end and 54-32 total, both numbers being season highs for UVA, they turned the ball over 15 times while only forcing the wolfpack into 9 turnovers, and they shot 53.8% from the charity stripe. Ugly yet effective, I guess?

The crowd was as loud as it has been all season long, our guys played their butts off, but Virginia won't be taking home any style points after this one.

UVA won this game by dominating the boards and limiting second chance opportunities for NC State, something that has not come often for the Hoos this year. 10 players checked in for Tony Bennett's team on Wednesday night and every single one of them had at least one rebound. The big fellas showed up and did their job as Ryan Dunn had 12 rebounds and 6 blocks, Jordan Minor had 9 rebounds and Blake Buchanan had 8 boards.

Player of the Game: Taine Murray has earned himself a starting role in my opinion. He plays incredibly hard when he is in the game, he is sneaky quick on defense, and is starting to feel more confident with his offensive game. 11 points, a couple boards, an assist, and a clutch three to seal the game in OT. PLAY THE MAN.

Bubble talk:

Never apologize for winning in a conference like the ACC, but UVA didn't do themselves any favors in terms of NCAA Tournament hopes on Wednesday. A loss would have had them treading water so that's a plus, but NC State was a quadrant 3 victory and going into overtime with them is not the best look when it comes to the eye test.

UVA sits on the bubble no matter how you look at it and will have to play better offensively than they did on Wednesday night to get the wins they need before Selection Sunday. There is plenty of time to get off the bubble and having a coach like Tony Bennett to put your faith in will always be comforting.

Next Up: 1/27 @ Louisville. Go Hoos!