Just five games into the 2004-2005 ACC schedule, the Virginia basketball squad has fallen into last place in the conference, with the prospects for an NCAA tournament berth possibly coming to a premature close.
Though the door has not yet shut on Virginia's hopes for a spot in the national bracket, the team faces an uphill battle if it hopes to make an appearance in March. With an 0-5 ACC record, the Cavaliers have a probable margin of three losses during the remainder of the season to finish 8-8 and have confidence heading into Selection Sunday this Spring.
Yet, outside of a pair of matchups against North Carolina and a road trip to Wake Forest, a string of victories in the remainder of Virginia's schedule could be attainable. The Cavaliers will have two contests versus Virginia Tech, N.C. State and Florida State, as well as single matchups against Clemson and Maryland.
Virginia faces Clemson (10-7, 1-4 ACC) at University Hall Saturday evening, in what will prove the first of a string of must-win games for the Cavaliers. Hosting the Tigers in Charlottesville, Virginia must view the game as a turning point.
"We are taking this as a learning process," freshman point guard Sean Singletary said. "We have a lot of games left. We just have to come together as a team and get the chemistry back that we had."
Following the loss of senior tri-captain Jason Clark for the remainder of the season because of academic ineligibility, the Cavaliers face the daunting task of adequately filling the position of power forward.
Sophomore center Donte Minter, hindered by knee and finger injuries thus far this year, is expected to receive the majority of minutes once healthy.
Classmate Jason Cain played 16 strong minutes against Maryland Wednesday night, notching seven points and four rebounds. The undersized forward will also see vastly increased playing time following Clark's departure.
A final situation to watch is the entrance of freshman big man Tunji Soroye in key defensive situations, though he tallied three fouls in just five minutes against the Terrapins.
Each of these youngsters will be expected to increase his output on the floor in the absence of an established power forward.
"We have to get some continuity with our lineup," Virginia coach Pete Gillen said after the loss to Maryland. "I thought our young guys did a good job. Cain gave us a little help on the boards."
With a victory on Saturday, Virginia could find a new beginning after Clemson. The team will face Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Thursday, another possible win, followed by a chance to snag an upset from North Carolina in Charlottesville one week from Saturday.
Yet, a loss against Clemson tomorrow night could effectively end the Cavaliers' realistic hopes for a bracket position in the NCAA tournament.
Their backs are against the wall.
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