After last Wednesday's game against North Carolina, it was the same story just a different month for Virginia coach Pete Gillen and the Cavaliers as their new offense was dramatically shut down by a highly talented Tarheel squad.
However, Virginia fans have reason to remain hopeful as the Cavs have shown some signs of life, evidenced by the play of sophomore guard Gary Forbes, who scored in double figures for the second consecutive game.
Although Forbes has provided a crucial spark for the Cavaliers the past two games, one has to wonder how long the team can stay afloat with a shooting stroke that has been less then consistent throughout the year. In particular, Forbes' lack of consistency on both ends of the court could be a possible explanation for why he has yet to crack the starting lineup despite his recent stellar play.
"Gary Forbes is a very emotional player," Gillen said. "Sometimes he's a roller coaster --- when he's good, he's great, but when he gets out of sync, he's not."
Although Forbes has had a hot hand lately, the Tarheels made it abundantly clear that against the perennial powers of the ACC, Virginia cannot rely on one player to succeed.
"He's getting an opportunity to shine, and he's doing his part," freshman point guard Sean Singletary said. "We all have to step up and play like him. That's when we'll win."
To many basketball fans, this weekend's game may be viewed as a battle of guard play, especially between two of the ACC's top young point guards in Virginia's Singletary and Maryland's Jon Gilchrist, as well as the resurgent Forbes. The question still looms, however, if Virginia can continue to win with Forbes as the leading scorer.
"One guy shot it well -- that was Gary Forbes [at UNC]," Gillen said. "That's not Gary's main role. Gary's main role is to defend, penetrate and set up other guys. He did a real good job, but we need our scorers to score."
If Virginia is planning to beat the Terps this weekend and avenge its loss late last month in College Park, many may argue that the inside play of one Elton Brown will be the key.
Without an inside game, Virginia's three-guard offense lacks the room necessary to operate out on the floor. Sophomore J.R. Reynolds, as with any spot up shooter, has difficulty getting a clean shot off with a hand in his face. Virginia can solve this problem by giving teams a reason to respect their inside game. The Cavaliers have found a majority of their success when they've had an inside as well as an outside threat.
Understanding that they have had problems at times passing inside, the Cavaliers will no doubt try to once again slow down this weekend's ACC foe with a balanced attack. As was evident in the Virginia Tech game, when Forbes plays his game and Virginia receives additional strong inside play, the Cavaliers can find themselves with an opportunity to win.
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