Over the past month, an impressive eight-game winning streak has vaulted the Virginia Cavaliers into second place in the ACC standings and #21 in the AP Poll. Sadly, all good things have come to an end. Propelled by 27 points from road warrior Blake Hinson and a scorching hot 14-of-32 performance beyond the arc, Pitt handed the ‘Hoos their first home loss of the year in a disappointing 74-63 defeat. Reece Beekman paced UVA with 19 points, while Isaac McKneely added 15 points on 5-9 from the field.
Five takeaways from Virginia’s first loss in a long time to a Panthers squad which might be the conference’s new hottest team:
Pittsburgh’s lights-out shooting proved insurmountable
This season, the most successful offenses against Virginia have shot the ball beyond the arc early and often — assertively gunning semi-open looks prevents UVA’s defensive playmakers from turning them over.