Virginia will continue its fight to stay alive in the ACC with a trip to Tallahassee to face Florida State tonight. The Cavaliers (13-9, 3-8 ACC) are still basking in the glory of their dramatic win over Georgia Tech on Saturday and coach Pete Gillen could not be prouder of his team. In a game where the Cavaliers were down late in the second half, the team recovered to pull off a memorable win ending a five-game losing streak.
"[I am] most proud of the fact that we knew [Georgia Tech] would make a run because they are a tremendous team," Gillen said. "We came back and that showed a lot of heart and character."
Senior Todd Billet, whose last gasp three pointer won the game, said he believes the win was just what the team needed in the midst of the season.
"This win is extremely important," Billet said. "When you are losing, there are a lot of grumblings and stuff. Winning cures a lot of things. We were in bad need of a win. Hopefully, that will give the team a shot in the arm and rejuvenate everyone."
Virginia will be looking for the same heart and character they showed on Saturday against the Seminoles (17-8,5-6), who have dropped only one conference game at home this season and are coming off a win against Clemson. Most importantly, the whole team will have to come out to play.
"It's a tough league; different guys are going to step up each night," Billet said. "Maybe Byars or Forbes steps up next game, you always have to be ready."
Responsibility also rests on the young shoulders of freshman point guard T.J Bannister, whose exemplary play against the Yellow Jackets played a role in Virginia's victory.
"We need quickness," Gillen said. "That's been our problem at the point guard position. T.J. had a great night tonight. When your point guard plays well your team plays well."
Other offensive responsibility might fall to Devin Smith, who continues to contribute despite playing through pain.
"He has not practiced in a month," Gillen said, referring to Smith. "He is playing with a lot of pain. He makes big baskets for us."
Rebounding might also play an important role in the game tonight especially since the Seminoles have been consistently out-rebounded by their opponents this season. Virginia out-rebounded Georgia Tech 32-30, an improvement over the early part of the season that was not lost on Gillen.
Rebounding "was important because we are not a great rebounding team," Gillen said. "Rebounding is desire and athleticism. Our guys wanted it, we were very hungry today. Rebounding is a big key to the game."
The Cavaliers held Florida State to 31 percent shooting the first time the teams met this season and will look to repeat the same defensive effort tonight. After three recent losses, it will be crucial for Virginia to keep the score close entering the stretch in order to keep their flickering NCAA hopes alive.
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