NCAA Basketball: Michigan’s struggles, a sleeper pick and more weekly takeaways

3) Virginia‘s biggest weakness

I wrote a few weeks ago that I believe this Virginia team is built to get past their March demons and make Tony Bennett’s first Final Four. I still believe that, but there is something that could trip UVA up – facing a press defense.

For all that was made of Virginia’s terrible offensive performance and De’Andre Hunter’s injury in that historic upset loss last year, UMBC head coach Ryan Odom said after the game that he thought their press played a huge factor in the win. He pointed out that the Cavaliers had not really been pressed all year and wanted to see how they’d respond.

Spoiler alert – not well.

Surprisingly, no one had tried to employ a press against UVA until the Cavaliers faced NC State this week. The result was a season-high 16 turnovers and a one-point overtime win, their smallest margin of victory this season.

Not every team is equipped to use a press, but it’s something to watch for the rest of the year. It throws Virginia’s offense off rhythm and gives them less time to methodically execute their sets.

Again, I still like this Cavaliers team a lot. But, if they have one Achilles heel that could cause another early NCAA Tournament exit, this is it.