The Virginia women's basketball team defeated Clemson 83-64 yesterday in their last game at University Hall. With notable alumnae Val Ackerman, Cathy Grimes-Miller and Brandi Teamer in attendance, the Cavaliers turned in their fourth consecutive victory and finished the regular season with a 5-9 record in the ACC.
At the conclusion of the game, head coach Debbie Ryan took the last shot in U-Hall, which she made. The ball was then taken across the street to the John Paul Jones Arena where it will await the beginning of next season.
"It was tremendous," Ryan said. "This place [University Hall] is very special to me. My entire life has been spent here. It's going to be very difficult to leave."
Virginia dominated the game from start to finish. They jumped out to an early 17-4 lead and never looked back.
"We were real focused and we had great energy," Ryan said. "I told the team in the locker room that we really needed to focus very hard on those first five to 10 minutes of the first half. We wanted to come right out and get points on the board and play great defense."
Sophomore guard Takisha Granberry came out on fire, scoring 14 of her 18 points in the first half. Tiffany Sardin, playing in her final home game for Virginia, added 10 points and nine rebounds. After the game, Sardin spoke about the poignancy of the ceremony and game.
"It meant a lot to me," Sardin said. "It's a privilege to be able to attend this university. You hear a lot about all the great players that played here and to be able to see them close up and say a few words to them was really great."
Junior forward Siedah Williams, who added 17 points and seven rebounds, was equally impressed with the game and postgame celebration.
"It took me back to my childhood," Williams said. "I ran out on the court and had fun playing with all the balloons and confetti. I'm going to miss this place -- I've played here for three years and have a lot of memories."
The Cavaliers were able to easily defeat Clemson in large part because of their excellent rebounding and free-throw shooting. Virginia outrebounded Clemson 41-26 and shot 73 percent from the free-throw line compared to 53 percent for Clemson. Virginia's free-throw shooting and rebounding ability has helped them all season long.
"Offensive rebounding and free-throw shooting is a point of emphasis for every game," sophomore guard Sharneé Zoll said. "Our offensive rebounding has been great all season, even in games we lost. Today, we were able to shoot the ball a little bit better and we made our free throws. We were able to concentrate despite all the hype."
Virginia shot an outstanding 93 percent from the free-throw line in the second half, which allowed the Cavaliers to keep Clemson at bay.
"Getting to the free-throw line is an important aspect of the game," Ryan said. "Now we're starting to shoot free throws a lot better. Lyndra Littles made nine of 11 free throws, which is big because she's had some trouble with free throws this year but now she's been able to step up and make some free throws."
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