BY KELLY WATT

Worst Collapse: The UVA women's basketball team (20-10) stormed out to a 17-point advantage and led by 12 with just over five minutes remaining against the ACC tournament's top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels (26-3) in the semifinal round Sunday, March 6. The Cavs, who had already pulled out a clutch overtime quarterfinal-round victory over Florida State a day earlier, seemed to self destruct down the stretch, though, as UNC made a ferocious come-from-behind charge to close the game on a 17-2 run and deal UVA a gut-wrenching 78-72 defeat. The game wasn't without controversy, however, as Cavalier coach Debbie Ryan told the AP, "Unfortunately in terms of officiating, we're not allowed to comment. I'm not allowed to say how I feel about that."

Best Championship Week: The St. Anne's Belfield Lady Saints capture their second VISGBA Division I state championship in three years in convincing form with a 44-28 drubbing of Bishop Ireton, Saturday, March 5. "I really can't put it into words," STAB's Emily Beirne said. "I think I'm probably the happiest kid in the world right now."

Worst Road Trip: The UVA baseball team finally appeared to have the Wake Forest Demon Deacons under control in Winston Salem Sunday, March 6. A 6-0 lead soon evaporated, however, as Wake (8-7, 3-0) rallied to beat the Cavs 7-6. "It's difficult to win in the ACC unless you get quality starting pitching," UVA coach Brian O'Conner told uvasports.com. "We just need to stay positive and get back out there Tuesday."

Worst of the Worst: In their regular season finale, the UVA men's basketball team traveled to Tallahassee to take on the Florida State Seminoles to determine who would finish in the ACC's cellar. FSU (12-18, 4-12) had lost nine consecutive games, but despite a late Wahoo comeback, the Noles manage to snap their losing streak, sending UVA to the ACC graveyard with their fifth straight 68-63 defeat Sunday, March 6. "We didn't play well. We played hard, but we couldn't make a shot at times," UVA coach Pete Gillen told the Virginia Sports Network.

Most Consistent Youngsters: As the NBA season moves into its later stages, the young Washington Wizards refuse to show any signs of fatigue. The Wiz may have to kiss the division race goodbye as they trail the Miami Heat by 11 games with just 25 remaining, although they currently hold a record of 33-25 record, standing fourth among the eight playoff seeds in the Eastern Conference.

Most Perfect Starts: Both the UVA men's and women's lacrosse teams picked up key road victories over Syracuse Saturday, March 5. John Christmas delivered a clutch goal in the game's waning moments, as the No. 6 men pulled out a 12-11 upset of the No. 2 Orangemen (1-1). The defending champion and top-ranked women, meanwhile, sound a sharp note as they rolled past No. 12 SU (2-1) 15-7.

The Week Ahead:

UVA MEN'S BASKETBALL

vs. MIAMI (16-11, 7-9)

Thursday, March 11 @ 7pm

ACC Tournament Play-In Round

MCI Center in Washington, DC

Last chance for Cavs to save their worst season since 1998-1999 (14-16). Various tickets available through the UVA Ticket Office.

UVA BASEBALL

vs. MARIST

Friday, March 11 @ 4pm

Saturday, March 12 @ 1pm

Sunday, March 13 @ 1pm

vs. COPPIN STATE

Wednesday, March 16 @ 7pm

Home sweet home! Hoos hope to regroup at Davenport Field. $6 Adult, 4 Youth.

UVA LACROSSE

WOMEN vs. PENN STATE

Friday, March 11 @ 7pm

vs. RICHMOND

Sunday, March 13 @ 1pm

MEN vs. PRINCETON

Saturday, March 12 @ 7pm

vs. MT. St. MARY'S

Tuesday, March 15 @ 7pm

Both the men and women are out of the gates fast this season. $6 Adult, $4 Youth

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