Game 8: UVA vs. Syracuse

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

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA- UVA (-11.5) VS. Syracuse

The Hoos took care of business yet again! A 84-62 final against Syracuse brings Virginia's win streak to three games. These guys are legit and Tony Bennett seems to have figured out the best way to mix and match the seven or eight guys that are going to see the floor.

It is important not to overreact this early in the year, but the adjustments this team has made over the last two games shouldn't go unoticed. It is a reminder for fans that UVA still has one of the best coaches/staffs in the country, and a team of highly talented basketball players that don't start doubting themselves after a couple of below average games.

Virginia shot 30-55 from the feild (54.5%), 12-21 from three (57.1%), went 12-15 from the charity stripe (80%), and MOST IMPORTANTLY outrebounded Syracuse 33-27 and limited the offensive rebounds for the Orange to 10 (still a high number, but we are happy with baby steps here).

My main concerns leading up to this game were the rebounding and free throw issues. I have been squealing like a pig that in order to be successful, UVA needs to LIMIT (not erase) the offensive rebounds and really crash the boards on defense. The result of this game is a direct reflection of what this team can look like if they do that. Virginia would have won this game if they had a medicore day shooting becuase their defense was stellar, they were relentless on the boards, and they made their free throws.

It was a bonus that Isaac McKneely turned into Stephen Curry and UVA as a team seemed to be shooting on a rim with a 30" diameter instead of a 18" diameter.

Reece Beekman put together another massive defensive performance completley locking down Judah Mintz (18.5 pts per game) holding him to just 5 points and only allowing him to get off 8 shots. Mr. Mintz shouldn't feel bad, as this is just another day at the office for Reece. ACC point gaurds should be shaking in their boots when they face #2, and if they aren't, well they just aren't paying attention at this point. Reece also added 13 points for the Hoos.

Play of the Game: Isaac McKneely hit this three pointer from all the way back in Poca, West Virgina. He was unconcious all game and the flex combined with the "primal yell" was enough to get me out of my seat and try it out for myself. He looked a lot cooler than I did, and a lot stronger.

Player of the Game: Not close. Isaac McKneely takes this one home. I tweeted during the game that Isaac should be shooting the ball 46 times per game, and then I corrected myself and said he should get 74 shots up per game. I was only half kidding. Shoot the ball whenever you want Isaac! He has the Joe Harris, Kyle Guy "green light" in my mind. 22 points off 8-11 shooting (6-8 from three).

Final Thoughts: Watching this team you can't help but see them coming into their own. According to KenPom.com (which is the only rankings system anyone should pay attention to) UVA has the sixth best defense in the country, and is the #27 team in the country. Virginia is showing glimpses of Tony Bennett teams of old that everyone in Charlottesville fell in love with.

Limit the offensive rebounds, make free throws, continue playing suffocating defense/effecient offense and this team is top 10 in the country. Don't argue with me, it's not worth it.

7-1. Go Hoos.

Next Up: 12/5 vs. NC Central