The Virginia men's basketball team will take to the floor tonight in its final exhibition contest looking to prove that its first game offensive prowess wasn't a fluke. Virginia takes on Coaches vs. Cancer Team Dasani at 7:30 p.m. at University Hall.
The Cavaliers are coming off a convincing 104-80 home exhibition victory over Big Apple Basketball, and this will be their final chance to get into regular season shape before they host Mount Saint Mary's Nov. 23.
The Cavaliers were never really threatened by Big Apple Basketball, as they opened up a 61-35 lead at the half and finished the night shooting 60.3 percent from the field and 47.8 percent from three-point land. This was a stark contrast to recent Virginia teams who have struggled offensively, especially in terms of shooting.
"I think now that we're playing more quick guys, I feel like [getting good outside looks] will come easier," Virginia junior forward Devin Smith said. "We got more guys running the court and filling the lane."
The Cavaliers' solid team performance shooting-wise was complemented by individual production from several players who will be counted on in the upcoming season.
Sophomore forward Derrick Byars led the team in scoring with 25 points while shooting 10-of-11 from the field.Four other players joined him in double figures, with senior guard Todd Billet scoring 21, Smith adding 20, freshman forward/center Donte Minter contributing 15 and junior forward/center Elton Brown chipping in 13.
Byars, Billet, Smith and Brown all had successful moments last season, so their performances were not completely unexpected. The Cavaliers were very pleased, however, with the performance of Minter, a true freshman who was making his collegiate debut. Minter made all seven of his field goal attempts en route to his 15-point night.
"He's a solid post player," Smith said. "He works hard every day, and it shows in the games. His work ethic is real good and, really, you practice how you play."
Minter's fellow freshmen all saw playing time against Big Apple Basketball, with guard J.R. Reynolds leading his classmates with 31 minutes. The Cavaliers are pleased with the adjustment rate of their newcomers.
"They're catching on to things pretty well," Byars said. "They're showing some good toughness, too."
By reaching the century mark in the first game, Virginia has shown early signs of offensive life that was lacking at times last season. However, after giving up 80 points total and 45 in the second half, the Cavaliers realize that they need to work on their defense and their stamina for the next game.
"We were a half step slower," Virginia coach Pete Gillen said. "Part of that is we need to get in game shape. We're in decent shape, but game shape is different from cross country shape or sprinting shape."
The Cavaliers also want to make their defensive sets more unpredictable in the future in an attempt to confuse and harass their opponents.
"We're going to mix it up," Gillen said. "Last game we were on purpose like Switzerland, just kind of neutral, playing half-court man. We'll get a little more multiple as we get towards the next game."
Gillen and his team want to see their prolific offense accompanied by a stout defense tonight, and they hope that such a combination leads to a surge of momentum in time for the regular season.
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