Virginia Over Villanova-Quick Reaction
Ron Sanchez and the Wahoos passed their first test of the season with flying colors. Virginia improved to 3-0, topping Villanova by a score of 70-60 in Baltimore Friday evening.
3-Point Barrage
Virginia had one of their best three-point shooting performances of recent years, hitting 14 of 25 from deep on the night. Six different Wahoos connected on shots behind the arc, led by Isaac McKneely’s six triples without a miss.
Poca, WV native Isaac McKneely finishes tonight’s game with 23 points, shooting 6-6 from beyond the arc as the Virginia Cavaliers defeat Villanova 70-60.
— Olly Reed Sports (@OllyReedSports) November 16, 2024
One of the best shooters in College Basketball. @IsaacMcKneely #WVPrepBB #304Made 🏀 pic.twitter.com/Ja4PpodcW8
McKneely has had some great past performances, but this was certainly near the top of the list. He was more assertive in hunting shots than we’ve seen before. Several of his threes were either created off the bounce or taken while on the move. He was very effective utilizing ball-screens, making Villanova pay for any separation.
Junior Andrew Rohde delivered his best offensive game in a Wahoo uniform, despite playing through a back injury. He scored 13 points, going 3 for 5 from three-point range, and he also dished out a game-high 4 assists.
Obviously, UVA won’t make 14 three-pointers on a regular basis. But Friday’s performance wasn’t a fluke either. This year’s team is designed to take more advantage of the three-point line. They have at least four and sometimes five threats on the court at a time. Over the previous few years, UVA ranked near the bottom in three-point rate, trending in the opposite direction from the rest of college basketball. Through three games this year, 45% of their field goal attempts are from behind the arc, up from only 32% last season.
For Real Freshman
It’s been a while since a Virginia freshman has started off as strong as Jacob Cofie. He’s scored in double figures in each of his first three games, including a 12 point 6 rebound showing against Villanova. The versatile forward from Seattle is averaging 13 points and 7.7 boards in 27 minutes per game off the bench.
He clearly passed the test in his first game against a power conference opponent. Coach Sanchez trusted him to continue playing heavy minutes, backing up both the power forward and center positions. It's basically a three-man rotation in the two frontcourt spots. Starters Blake Buchanan and Elijah Saunders with Cofie off the bench. Any of the three can be paired together. Cofie’s positional versatility is invaluable. It’s something UVA has been missing up front in recent seasons.
Cofie’s ability to stretch the floor is a game changer. He’s hit 5 of 11 from deep so far. When UVA has him at the center position, opponents have to account for all five Wahoos behind the arc. It’s not just the points he’s scoring, it’s the opportunities his presence creates for teammates too. And he’s been solid defensively. That’s the most pleasant surprise. There may be occasional freshman mistakes, but his energy and continuous effort make up for them.
Dai Dai Starts Again
Sophomore point guard Dai Dai Ames once again received the start. He finished with 8 points (3-8 FG) and 1 assist, also turning the ball over four times. It’s unclear if his start was the result of Andrew Rohde being less than 100% or if Ames has earned the role on the heels of his 13-point performance against Coppin State.
Despite the turnovers, I thought Ames played pretty well. His ability to get into the lane and take advantage of the spacing created by all the shooters on the floor is really important. It’s an element otherwise missing.
Turnovers were a blemish on the night though. UVA turned it over 12 times, many of them of the worst variety. Villanova’s pressure defense clearly bothered the Hoos. Future opponents will no doubt try to emulate that.
Working Out Kinks
Coach Sanchez tightened the rotation, as often occurs against better competition. UVA only used eight players on Friday. Senior guard Taine Murray was noticeably left out. And within that, roles are still being defined. Although sophomore TJ Power started, his minutes shrank to just 15. And Sanchez used Ames and Rohde together for a big portion of the game, a new development.
Along with the turnover issues, rebounding continues to be a problem. The Wahoos are giving up too many second chances and getting very few for themselves. A little strange for a team with so much size. Villanova had 12 offensive boards to UVA’s 3. Early on last season, the Hoos had similar rebounding struggles. It should clear up once players are up to speed on their rotational assignments, at least on the defensive end. But the total lack of offensive boards is concerning.
It’s early season college basketball. There’s a lot to figure out and issues to work through. That goes with the territory, especially with so many new players. Despite it all, they managed to get a good win over Villanova, and do so comfortably. The Wildcats have their own early season problems, but they’re a talented older team. They should find their groove eventually. Hopefully, it’ll end up as a quality win on UVA’s resume.
Up Next
The Wahoos head to The Bahamas next for the Baha Mar Hoops Championship. They’ll face Tennessee first on Thursday at 9:30 PM Eastern. Then, either Baylor or St. John’s the following night. All three of those teams are currently ranked in the Top 25, so we’ll have a good measure of where the team stands after next week.
Be sure to tune in for the Locker Room Access pregame show, 30 minutes before tip.
(Featured Image Credit: Josie Drumheller/UVA Athletics)