Getting ready to spend a few minutes on the teleconference line with UVa head coach Tony Bennett following the NCAA Tournament announcements tonight. Check this thread in a bit.

Also of note: Bennett and both Darion Atkins and Malcolm Brogdon are scheduled to speak with media members in Charlottesville tomorrow. We're planning to have on-site coverage for you tomorrow afternoon as well.

I like being a 2 and think we can come out vs the top seeds here. But Belmont is as tough a 2/15 match as we could get then Michigan St is a tough 1st weekend.

Wow, VT sweeps the series. Four straight losses for the baseball team. I know it is long season, but all of these losses were to other State schools.

Better Chance at a National Championship as a 2 Seed?

My logic here is that there will be less pressure on our team as a #2 than if we were a #1. Also, my belief is that Villanova will be the weakest of the 1's, so if we are a 2 in their bracket, then it would be easier to get to the Final Four than in other brackets.

Thoughts?

I certainly don't count myself among the most knowledgeable here, so please know I don't try to sound that way. I think some are seeing the small picture or the big picture while Tony Bennett is seeing (and working) the whole picture. In the ACC tourney, we had the opportunity to accomplish a couple of things. First, win our second consecutive tournament, second reacclimate our team to having one of our best two players back in the lineup. Some choose one over the other. I think CTB did a great job at keeping his eye on both, with a slight preference for one. I think his coaching and intensity showed he wanted to win the tournament, but I think his allocation of minutes showed he wanted to get JA back just a little more. He played Justin 26 minutes in the 2 games and he had zero effect on the game. We, IMO, clearly would have beaten UNC had he played Devon Hall those minutes that Justin played. But TB played Justin, but not enough to give us no chance. I thought he did an excellent job of balancing getting Justin minutes and trying to win. We were there in the last minutes with a chance to win, but more important, JA won't be starting from scratch next week. A year ago after the Tenn. Game, I stated, and caught some flack for saying TB had used the OOC schedule to learn his team. I think this was similar, in that he wanted to win, coached to give his team a chance to win, but not with winning being the top (only) priority. It is past of his brilliance, that his coaching isn't always just about one thing. I look for a very good run in the NCAA. We, again IMO, would have been much better with Hall playing this weekend, but will be better with JA next weekend. Both are or were important, but next weekend is more so. Great job by TB again.

Sparty leads 32-31 at half.

Just so we can have one thread.

I'm going with CBS on the theory that there's a long shot they've got access to "insider info" as the host of the selection show. I'm calling UVA as a 1 seed in the South and Duke get's moved to 2 in the East. The consensus of opinion goes against me, but I think more of the committee will view Anderson as fully or nearly fully healthy.

My four 1 seeds: Kentucky, UVA, Villanova and Wisconsin.

Obviously its back to the drawing board if Wisconsin gets blown out today.

Below you'll find the release UVa sent out earlier today while I was on my way back to Richmond from Greensboro.



Brian O'Connor to Serve Four-Game Suspension
UVa head coach suspended following contact with umpire

Virginia head baseball coach Brian O'Connor has been suspended for four games following his ejection in the eighth inning Friday at Virginia Tech.

After making unintentional contact with home-plate umpire Craig Barron, O'Connor is required to serve a four-game suspension, which is mandated by NCAA Baseball Playing Rule 5, section 16-b. The rule dictates that if a coach is ejected for making physical contact with an umpire, the automatic first offense penalty is a four-game suspension. O'Connor will miss UVa's Saturday and Sunday games at Virginia Tech, the Tuesday home game against Towson, and the Friday home game against Florida State. Associate head coach Kevin McMullan will serve as UVa's acting head coach in O'Connor's absence.

"I want to apologize for my actions during Friday's game," O'Connor said. "I understand this calls for an automatic four-game suspension and I accept the consequences of my actions. I know the rule and had no intent to touch the umpire during our interaction. As the head coach, I have worked hard to set a high standard when it comes to sportsmanship and I did not do that during the game. All I can do is work to be a better coach and example to our players moving forward. Again, I want to apologize to the umpiring crew, my team and our fans for this inappropriate display."

Virginia will have no further comment regarding the suspension.

From UVa:

Virginia Falls at Virginia Tech, 3-1
Haseley finishes with three hits for UVa

The Virginia baseball team dropped a 3-1 game to Virginia Tech Saturday afternoon at English Field in Blacksburg, Va.). The Hokies (9-9, 3-2 ACC) clinched the series as Virginia (12-4, 2-3) dropped its third straight game.

UVa starting pitcher Connor Jones (So., Chesapeake, Va.) took the loss and fell to 4-1 after working 5 2/3 innings, while giving up three earned runs, seven hits and five walks with six strikeouts. Virginia Tech starter Aaron McGarity (2-1) pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing one unearned run, six hits and three walks while fanning a pair. Luke Scherzer earned his third save by shutting out the Cavaliers over the final 2 1/3 innings.

With six freshmen in the lineup Saturday, Virginia's offense scuffled for the second straight day as the Cavaliers finished with nine hits and left 11 runners on base. Adam Haseley (Fr., Windermere, Fla.) recorded three hits for UVa.

Virginia scored in the first inning. Haseley led off with a single, then moved to second on a passed ball. A Daniel Pinero (Fr., Toronto, Ontario) fly ball advanced Haseley to third, and he scored on a Pavin Smith (Fr., Jupiter, Fla.) groundout.

Virginia Tech knotted the score in the third inning. Saige Jenco singled to center to start the inning. He stole second and then moved to third on a groundout before scoring on an Alex Perez sac fly.

The Hokies scored a pair of fourth-inning runs despite hitting just one ball out of the infield. With two outs, Virginia Tech recorded four straight hits - three of the infield variety. Ricky Surum's single deep in the hole behind second base scored Kyle Wernicki, and after a Jenco infield single loaded the bases, Miguel Ceballos walked to force in a run.

Virginia staged a two-out rally in the fifth inning, getting a double from Justin Novak (Fr., Tokyo, Japan) followed by a Haseley walk. Pinero lined a single into left field, but Ceballos launched a perfect throw to the plate to get the final out on Novak and keep the Cavaliers off the scoreboard. UVa also loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh inning, but reliever Luke Scherzer came on to get Pinero to pop up to end the threat.

UVa loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, but Scherzer struck out Smith looking to end the game.

The Cavaliers played Saturday without head coach Brian O'Connor, who started serving a four-game NCAA suspension for bumping an umpire during the Friday game.

The series concludes at 1 p.m. Sunday. WINA 1070-AM will have the radio broadcast, while the live audio will be available online at VirginiaSports.com as part of the Cavaliers Live subscription package. Live statistics also will be available on VirginiaSports.com. The audio and live stats also can be accessed through the Virginia Sports app, which is available through iTunes.

The weekend series is part of the Commonwealth Clash between Virginia and Virginia Tech. The Hokies earned a point by clinching the baseball series, but UVa still holds a 7.5-6.5 lead overall.

The Commonwealth Clash presented by Virginia529 is a head-to-head, points-based competition between the athletic teams at University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. The Commonwealth Clash encourages a friendly, statewide rivalry between the two schools across all school-sponsored sports with 21 individual event points on the line. Fans are also encouraged to support their team through a fan-based point. The school that accumulates 11.5 points or more will be crowned the winner and take home the Virginia529 Commonwealth Clash trophy. Visit www.TheCommonwealthClash.com for more information and updated standings.

I want to thank coach Bennett and this group of young men for all of the excitement so far this season. I hope they go far in the NCAA's. This point really means nothing I guess,but it seems to me that playing in Greensboro is an unfair advantage for the Carolinia teams. Maybe I'm just a sore loser. Been one since 1952, Go Hoos

Just checked bracketology and saw where, after the Wisconsin win, we have dropped to a #2 in the East. Not that surprised or upset though. Wisconsin played extremely well in the 2nd half of their game and will most likely win their conference tournament tomorrow. I do think we should still be ahead of Duke, but we all know that Duke is Duke and Coach K is almighty and No one wins a close call with them. We will be okay and I hope the team has a chip on their shoulder, they need to play with one.

First off, love and appreciate everything Tony has done. The job he's done in 6 short years is nothing short of a miracle.

That said, the use of Devon Hall has been a total head scratcher to me this season. He has not played 1 minute in the last 3 games (2 of them losses). He played extended minutes and looked great in arguably our most complete game of the season, against Wake, not that long ago.

When I watch him, I see a kid who plays with confidence, within the offense, doesn't turn it over, attacks the basket, and can hit from the perimeter. His defense is a work in progress, but he's not a liability out there.

What am I missing?

Does anyone know what time and channel the selection show is on? For as long as I can remember, it has been at 6 o'clock on CBS. It is not showing on my Directv guide and of course my newspaper was not delivered today.
This post was edited on 3/15 9:11 AM by dj08hoo

Epic.

first time in the history of the conference we've gone 4 years with neither UNC or Duke winning the ACC Tournament. FSU, Miami, us & now Notre Dame.

Congrats to the Irish!

He had a rough time today against Kentucky, but really went out with a bang in this SEC tournament. He led a great underdog Auburn run and will be an All Tournament Team selection for sure.

Good for him going out with a run to remember.

Duke losing today basically guarantees both of our teams a #1 seed. No other potential 1 seed has the opportunity to gain a "key" win which will elevate them above us.

Blew a 16 point lead to lose by 4. Now we need Sparty to stay hot and knock off Wisconsin tomorrow.

Our one major weakness this season has been consistent outside shooting. Tonight UNC made their outside shots and we didn't until the last few minutes. To little and to late.

I thought Bilas did a good announcing job tonight. He continuosly pointed out that UVA was in a bad way without Brogdon, and when MB turned it on we got back in the game. He pointed out the early foul trouble in the 2nd half made UNC back off a notch after they had played excellent man defense all game to that point. That allowed MB to muscle into the paint and further pulled UNC's defense in tight which opened up some late game perimeter shots which we finally hit until the last few minutes.

We just didn't finish in crunch time and Carlina did. Have to give UNC credit, they played a hell of a game and shot better against us then anybody since Tenn. I've been pretty critical of RW this season but I thought he did a satisfactory job of game management this game and did a good job of motivating his players.

Unfortunately it may have been the wrong time to try to integrate JA back into the rotation. After that long of a time, the guys had learned to post without him. His return was probably an overall negative, but TB is coaching for the NCAA's now. Hopefully those issues are resolved by the sweet 16. I thought Nolte stepping back zone tonight may have hurt us. I like his outside shot the last several games. I would of pregrred to get him more looks from the top if the key as he is a significantly better shooter there then from the corner. Also a little surprised that Gill ride the pine so much coming down the stretch. JA took his minutes.

Even a great team has its bad games. Point in fact is Duke getting its ass kicked right now. Carolina is a more talented team then we are and they played better than us tonight and deserved to win. Carolina can beat anybody in the country not named Kentucky, so no shame in this loss. UVA is a great team with guts and they fought to the end. I expect more good things from this team this year.

Coming back to my original point that I have made a few times this year, a little surprised that TB didn't get at least one dead eye outside shooter last Spring when he picked up Thompson and Shayok. Now with Rueter coming in its been a while since he signed a bona fide pure 40% plus 3 point shooter. All the other top ACC have had better 3 point shooting then us all year. It really makes the season that we have had even more impressive. I guess the shooters are at least 2 years out. Eventually 1-2 of those players mixed with the athletic plus perimeter defenders will I think be TB's optimum roster balance. We will see as he gets to close on more of the higher recruits that he lost out on over the last few years. His increased national profile from here forward will help that situation.

Have faith Hoos. The sun will come up tomorrow. And what's with some of those ridiculous posts in the game thread. MB is the toughest UVA player since Kenton Edelin and Lee Raker. What is it some of you young guys say? SMH!

Hope notre dame wins

Now that I have said that watch the officiating

For those on here regularly, you know I never feel we need a loss to learn from, break the pressure or so we are no longer "due" a loss. However, we almost won tonight in spte of not playing, IMO, completely to win. There was a choice tonight and last night for that matter. We had started to play pretty well without Justin, and I believe we would have been better both games without him. I am certain of it. Justin also will not allow those starts that we have had to endure and battle back from some lately. But lets face it, JA contributed nearly nothing last nigh and very little tonight outside of that one incredible block. There is no question we would have been better in both games had Devon Hall gotten those minutes. In 26 minutes in the tourney he was 0-6, didn't score and only for a little bit and very late did he really bring his usual energy. That being said, we didn't have to be much better tonight to win and like I said, i believe we would have been enough better had Hall gotten JA's minutes. Now, would you trade JA playing and hopefully geting back into ithe flow for winning tonight? I say Absolutely no!!! Tony played him enough to strt to get back to himself and he still has 1 or 2 games to work his way back, so the weekend of the Sweet 16 I expect him nearly 100%. Had he played less, or not at all, I am not as sure that would have been the case. I think TB walked a fine line tonight of getting him as many minutes as possible AND giving us a chance to win. We slipped and lost, but still had a chance to win, getting zero from our 1A player. This loss was frustrating sure, but JA getting minutes contributed to that, and IMO, it was well worth it. Let's just focus on the bigger prize, I feel like Tony did just that tonight, and still didn't ignore the small one. I said last year after the Tenn game, Tony had a plan and was learning, so did he for this tourney, just trust and wait. IPWT, when we hit the Fina Four, they should allow you to change to ITWT with no issue!! ( You have given up on Pete, right?)

We have shown lately a lack of ability to close out on the three's and haven't gotten key stops when we need them. We could lose any game but could still beat any team in the tourney. We need a healthy JA and we need to get the sense of urgency back.

I believe that our best chance to beat Kentucky would be in the elite 8 game. No doubt the Kentucky coaching staff would prep some for UVA's defense if we are heading toward each other but they would have to pay more attention to their sweet 16 opponent. If we could meet them in the elite 8 they would have 48 hours to prep for us and that isn't enough time. Obviously they will still be favored, but I like our chances best in that elite 8 spot rather than in the final 4 when they have had a week to prep or in the finals. Besides that, our best hope at this time is the 4th number 1 seed and that has us meeting in the final 4. If I were on the committee, I would try to throw UVA at Kentucky. We still have to win some games to get there.

This post was edited on 3/14 9:53 AM by Newberr

Brogdon went from zero to superman in the last 10 minutes. JA's heart is there but shot is still missing. Nolte was a step slow most of the night on D, still hesitant to pull the trigger. Our bigs weren't very big tonight. Settled for jumpers. Tobey had his worst game since 5th grade. When is the last time he made a shot over 6 ft? Meeks got one rebound from behind Tobey then Tobey fouled him, also his hands caused a couple TO's. Hopefully he can shake this game off because we need him in NCAAT. Shayok needs to spend sometime shooting FT's. He missed important front end of a one and one, then was one of two another time. He did hit a needed 3 pointer.
I love this team, they didn't quit but last couple of games TO's are way to many. Also too nonchalant at the start of games other than FSU. UNC fans are way too obnoxious but got awfully scared those last 2 minutes. I'm confident that we will make a deep run in the NCAAT, I'm still extremely proud of them and very proud to be a hoo. That's all from Greensboro. By the way what is with uvafan disrespecting Brogdon?

Man, was today's game ever a Jamie Lucky special. That guy is a complete mess of a referee.

When Tony Bennett and Leonard Hamilton - two of the most chill coaches in the country - both have to get held back from going after you, you suck at being a ref.

There was no semblance of any sense in the calls today. No consistency. Lots of ticky tack crap. UVA caught the worse end of it, but FSU saw their share of bad calls, too.

The teardrop by Paige. He stops and gets Brogdon sliding, pivots around and drops it in. Atkins is just watching. There is nowhere Paige is going to pass the ball. He looks like he wanted to block the shot but sees Brogdon recovering and allowed him to handle it. Man, Atkins could have blocked that shot with his armpit if he wanted to. Would have taken two points off board and given UVA a second chance to take the lead.