Virginia Should Feel Lucky to Make First Four vs. Colorado State

In the latest turn of events in college basketball‘s March Madness, Virginia‘s hopes for a bid have been dashed, now having to earn their way in among the First Four. This year’s competition has witnessed the departure of several commendable teams, including Saint John’s, Seton Hall, Indiana State, Pitt, and Providence. The blame for these eliminations can be attributed to the inspired performances of NC State, New Mexico, Oregon, and Temple, which have significantly shaped the current tournament landscape.

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Virginia, with a record of 23-10, has faced criticism for their outdated offensive strategy. Their “blocker mover" system paired with a “pack line" defense has been particularly scrutinized. The pack line defense, known for not denying passes and relying on contested jump shots, combined with Virginia’s notably slow pace of play, has left them with minimal margin for error. This approach to the game has been questionable and is a strategy that has hindered their potential for success.

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The skepticism around Virginia’s ability to advance in March Madness was underscored by their significant loss to Virginia Tech by 30 points a few weeks ago. This defeat solidified doubts about their competitiveness and viability in the NCAA tournament. The consensus among experts and fans alike is that Virginia’s performance and strategic choices have not been conducive to making noise in the tournament, let alone making a significant run.

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As the First Four begins, don’t expect much out of Virginia if they somehow get by Colorado State. The coming games promise to showcase talent, strategy, and the sheer unpredictability that defines this iconic college basketball event.

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*Odds Courtesy DraftKings