It was all eerily reminiscent of the year before. The Virginia men's basketball team had just completed an upset of a top-ranked Maryland team in front of a raucous crowd at University Hall. But this year, the Cavs and their fans reacted like they belonged.
Last year, the scene at U-Hall was pandemonium. The crowd rushed the court and nearly trampled Maryland forward Tahj Holden. As the celebration continued, Virginia coach Pete Gillen and his players grabbed a microphone and stood on the scorers' table to address the Senior Day crowd.
This year was different. After the No. 11 Cavaliers closed out a surprisingly easy 99-78 victory over the No. 9 Terrapins, the crowd stayed in its seats. No one rushed the court, and no speeches were given. Gillen and company respectfully shook hands with the Maryland bench and calmly went on their way.
"We're a different team than last year," sophomore Roger Mason Jr. said. "We feel like we're an elite team. As good as Maryland is, there's no celebration necessary."
|
Read More
To Virginia’s benefit, the spotlight is on North Carolina
By Xander Tilock | 45 minutes agoGraduate center Brady Wilson, who missed the previous three games due to a calf injury, is returning to the starting lineup Saturday. When Wilson plays, Virginia averages 251.5 rushing yards per game. Without him, that number falls to 140.3.
Discussing the dawn of the Ryan Odom era
By Thomas Baxter , Aimee Crosbie and Emory Huffman | 8 hours agoThree basketball writers from The Cavalier Daily give their thoughts.
Rafael Jódar wins Lincoln Challenger, his second professional title of 2025
By Thomas Baxter | 16 hours agoThe No. 2 ranked college player in the country won another professional tournament.
