SPORTS WRAP
Best Inspiration: Just two weeks ago, even the most loyal of Wahoo faithful admitted to writing off the Cavalier basketball program. But UVA (13-9, 4-7) somehow manages to resurrect Charlottesville's hopes, as the Cavs return home to continue their climb out of the ACC's cellar.
Devin Smith drilled a game-winning three-pointer to complete an 11-point second-half comeback in a 56-55 triumph over the Florida State Seminoles (11-13, 3-8) Wednesday, February 9. The Hoos then earned some sweet redemption, dropping rival Virginia Tech's Hokies 65-60 at U-Hall Saturday, February 12. The key to the turnaround has been the UVA defense, which has stiffened considerably to hold opponents under an average of 60 points per game in the past three nail-biting victories.
Highest Flying Flucos: In just seven days, the Fuvanna County boys' basketball team (20-3, 11-2) wins four games to capture a Jefferson District regular season title in a dramatic photo finish. The Flying Flucos finished deadlocked with the Charlottesville Black Knights (13-8, 10-3) following the final regular season contest, Friday, February 11. But Fluvanna went on to defeat CHS for a third consecutive time this season, 43-38, in a one-game playoff at Monticello High School. The championship gains the Flucos an automatic berth in the regional playoffs. "It just means so much," Fluvanna coach Kyle Blackwell told The Daily Progress. "We worked hard for it all year."
Longest Road Ahead: Baseball in February? The early bird gets the worm in Charlottesville as the UVA baseball team opens its "spring" season by taking two of three games in a weekend series against the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks (3-2). UVA (2-1) bounced back after an opening defeat to 2-0 and 7-4 triumphs on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13.
Best Recovery: The Lady Cavaliers pass their first true "gut check" test on the road in Blacksburg against the Virginia Tech Hokies (14-9, 3-7), Saturday, February 12. Sorely needing a victory after their third consecutive setback– a 66-60 loss to the surging Miami Hurricanes (12-11, 4-5) Thursday, February 10– the Wahoos rise to the occasion with a determined effort to score a crucial 61-58 win. "I was very proud of the character they showed today," coach Debbie Ryan told the Progress.
Most Homesick Wizards: Initially, the week looked promising as the Washington Wizards upset the NBA's best team with a thrilling 95-87 win over the San Antonio Spurs at the MCI Center Wednesday, February 9. The Wiz extended their winning streak to four games, but entered a dead zone on a road trip just before the All-Star break. Washington suffered a 107-86 blowout at the hands of the defending champion Detroit Pistons, Saturday, February 12, and then dropped a bitter 98-96 decision to the lowly New Orleans Hornets (11-41) Monday, February 14.
THE WEEK AHEAD:
UVA MENS BASKETBALL
vs. MARYLAND (15-7, 6-5)
Saturday, February 19 @ 3:30pm
In a perennially great conference rivalry, the Wahoos hope to continue a possibly magical run to the NCAA tournament as the Maryland Terrapins come to town. Fans are coming out of hibernation for this one. Game is sold out.
UVA BASEBALL
vs. BUCKNELL
Friday, February 18 @ 3pm
Saturday, February 19 @ 4pm
Sunday, February 20 @ 1pm
No matter what the weather may bring, these games are just as important as ones played on warm summer nights. Davenport Field. $6 Adult, $4 Youth.
UVA MENS LACROSSE
vs. DREXEL
Sunday, February 20 @ 1pm
Having gone from first (national champions in 2003) to worst (did not even qualify for the NCAAs in 2004) the Cavs now hope to return to glory as they open their 2005 regular season campaign at Klöckner Stadium. $6 Adult, $4 Youth
UVA WOMENS BASKETBALL
vs. (21) MARYLAND
Sunday, February 20 @ 4pm
Rivalry weekend continues in a key conference match-up on the ladies' side. Adults $6, Youth $4.
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