Busting Brackets
Fansided

2023 Bracketology: UMass, Virginia among teams looking to build on momentum

By Jason Burgess

Nov 24, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; St. Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; St. Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Virginia Cavaliers guard Armaan Franklin Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Virginia Cavaliers guard Armaan Franklin Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Virginia Cavaliers 5-0

In the preseason Virginia was one of those teams that were tough to figure out. The defense is good, and the talent is there, but there were a lot of key questions. Well, early at least those questions have been answered by the Cavaliers. They enter the week 5-0 and made a huge statement in Las Vegas at the Main Event knocking off both Baylor and Illinois to leap to No. 5 in the rankings.

So, the defense has been there for Tony Bennett’s team, the difference is on the offensive end where they are averaging 78 points per game. The improved shooting of guys like leading scorer Armaan Franklin, 13.8 points on 46.7% shooting, and the addition of Ben Vander Plas and his 50% field goal percentage have been big for the rejuvenated offense.

After a huge week with wins over Baylor and Illinois, the Cavaliers’ coming week sees them take on Michigan and another ACC team that has struggled mightily Florida State. After beginning the year 3-0, Michigan got throttled by Arizona State by 25 and enter this matchup 5-1 after wins over Ohio and Jackson State.

On Saturday the Hoos play host to a 1-6 Florida State team that has already lost to Stetson, Troy, and Siena this season. The slow-paced Cavaliers not only have their typical defense ranking 15th in defensive efficiency but also rank 5th in offensive efficiency with the nation’s second-best three-point shooting team at 46.9%. This is a big week for the resurgent Cavaliers and a couple more wins will keep that slow-rolling locomotive moving.

Home/Bracketology