Virginia controlled the game from start to finish, but a monster 41-point showing by junior guard Kymora Johnson ultimately turned a commanding win into a demolition derby.
With ACC play looming, three beat writers assess Virginia’s performance and prospects for the rest of the season.
“Really proud of our players,” Agugua-Hamilton said. “I thought that was a great team win.”
”We wanted to make sure we started ACC right,” Agugua-Hamilton said. “I think this is a pretty dominant win to start.”
Throughout the game, Virginia never surrendered, but a free throw discrepancy and off-nights from Levy and Amanze sunk the chance to steal a ranked win.
“Gabby has been impressive,” Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton said.
“I think our team is at our best when we’re confident, and I think that we just regained our confidence,” Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton said.
With the opportunity to seize their first win over a Power Four opponent, the Cavaliers could not find the clutch points with the clock winding down.
The Cavaliers picked up a pair of wins Thursday and Monday.
“We want to be able to dominate the boards on both ends,” Agugua-Hamilton said.
The Cavaliers will have that chance to rebound soon, but Thursday night belonged to UMBC, another chapter in a historical matchup Virginia desperately wishes it didn’t recognize so well.
“Competitive, together, and relentless,” Agugua-Hamilton said
Levy’s plus-minus score of 33 ranked second among all players.
"I’m blessed to be able to put Virginia on the map,” junior guard Kymora Johnson said.
Virginia appears poised to move forward into a strong regular season.
“Last year wasn’t indicative of how I like to play… those kids burned out… I know that’s not gonna be us this year.”
Recently, Staley spoke with The Cavalier Daily to share her thoughts.
This tracker documents Virginia's offseason moves.
The Cavaliers did not take the next step towards becoming an ACC contender.
Virginia's NCAA Tournament hopes are officially gone.
