Tarleton State Preview Reading Takeaways From Virginia's Win Over Tarleton State Next Virginia vs Florida Game Preview

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Takeaways From Virginia's Win Over Tarleton State

Takeaways From Virginia's Win Over Tarleton State

Virginia got off to a quick start in their season opener, cruising to an 80-50 win over Tarleton State on Monday night at JPJ.   

Never in Doubt

This one was never in doubt, largely thanks for hot shooting by the Wahoos. UVA connected on their first four field goals, including three triples.  The lead quickly grew to double digits and extended to 43-19 by halftime.  Shooting cooled off a bit in the second half.  Tarleton State briefly cut the lead inside 20 early in the second half before the Hoos answered with a run of their own.  

 

 

The Wahoos shot 49% from the field, 46% (10-22) from three-point range.  The starting backcourt led the way.  Reece Beekman scored 16 points (5-9 FG) while handing out seven assists without committing a turnover.  And Isaac McKneely gave fans reason to believe a breakout year is ahead.  He banged in four three-pointers on his way to 15 points (4-8 FG). 

They looked good on offense for the first game.  There was noticeably better spacing than we’ve seen from UVA teams over the past few years.  That led to more driving opportunities and open three-pointers.  They lived at the foul line tonight, going 24-39.  The 39 attempts matches the most in a single game under Bennett at UVA.  

This game was clearly a mismatch.  And it was made more lopsided by the shooting discrepancy.  Still, a really good opening game performance for the new look Wahoos. 

Rotation

Transfer guard Andrew Rohde (6 points)  got the start in the backcourt alongside Beekman and McKneely.  And former Oklahoma forward Jacob Groves (9 points) started in the frontcourt next to Ryan Dunn (9 points).  All of the scoring for Groves came from behind the arc, where he was 3-4.  

 

 

There seemed to be a clear top eight in the rotation, at least for tonight.  Georgetown transfer guard Dante Harris (7 points), freshman center Blake Buchanan (1 point), and freshman forward Leon Bond (12 points) were all on the floor early and often.  

Junior guard Taine Murray (5 points) was the 9th man. He had some good moments, scoring his first basket on a crafty finish at the rim.  And Merrimack transfer big man Jordan Minor was the last scholarship player to enter the game late in the first half.  

Player of the Game

Leon Bond made his debut worth the wait.  The redshirt-freshman finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds in only 17 minutes.  He added two steals.  Five of his boards were on the offensive end.  He had a great night.  The stats, as good as they are, don’t do him justice. 

 

 

Most of his scoring came either at the rim or from the foul line as a result of attacking the basket.  He just brought great energy on both ends of the floor.  His effort on the glass and defensive presence gave the Hoos a big lift.  

All of his playing time was at the power forward spot.  It’ll be interesting to see how that evolves going forward, whether he can start to earn time as a guard as well.  That’s probably what he’ll need to do in order to carve out a bigger role.  There were more minutes available in the frontcourt tonight than will often be the case due to Tarleton State’s small-ball lineup.  

One thing is for sure.  If he can continue to produce like he did tonight, Bennett will find ways to get him on the floor.  

Redshirt Verdicts

Tony Bennett made it known before tipoff that the plan is to redshirt three members of his freshman class.  Guards Elijah Gertrude and Christian Bliss along with center Anthony Robinson.  

 

 

Point guard Christian Bliss enrolled early with the intention of redshirting.  He’ll have an opportunity for playing time next season when Reece Beekman moves on. And Anthony Robinson, a spring signee, also came on board with an understanding that he would be willing to redshirt.  The frontcourt clears out after this season, allowing him an opportunity.  

Elijah Gertrude’s redshirt was a harder decision. It wasn’t planned when he committed last fall.  But then he suffered a torn ACL injury just over a year ago which set him back.  The top 50 ranked recruit wasn’t cleared for full activity until fall practices started, leaving him a bit behind.  I had heard that since the injury he was open to a potential redshirt if the coaching staff thought it was for the best.  He has a big time future ahead.  

Up Next

Tony Bennett’s squad gets their first test of the season on Friday.  They’ll head to Charlotte for a neutral site meeting with Florida.  The Gators topped Loyola (MD) tonight in their opener by a score of 93-73.  

Be sure to tune in for the Locker Room Access pregame show live on Facebook and YouTube, starting 30 minutes before tipoff every game.

(Featured Image Credit: Matt Riley/UVA Athletics) 

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