With their collegiate careers coming to a close, senior center Siedah Williams and senior guard Brenna McGuire will surely have their adrenaline pumping in their last game in front of the home crowd at John Paul Jones Arena, especially after knocking off Virginia Tech last night 79-76 in Blacksburg.
Saturday, the Virginia women's basketball team (15-11, 4-7 ACC) will need large contributions from these two experienced seniors to avenge a disappointing loss to Florida State (18-7, 7-3 ACC) earlier in the season. McGuire and Williams combined to score only ten points Jan. 28, as the Cavaliers fell 63-47 in Tallahassee, Fla.
The last time around, Williams made a strong effort against Seminole sophomore center Britany Miller. Though Miller holds the height advantage, Williams dominated the boards and pulled down 12 rebounds, nine more than Miller. Still, the Cavaliers will need a stronger offensive effort from their senior center, who was outscored by Miller in the previous meeting.
Williams' ability to score will attract even more attention, as she is narrowing in on 1,000 points for her four-year career at the University. Reaching this milestone will undoubtedly cement her place in Virginia women's basketball history.
"'Wow' is pretty much all I can say right now," Williams said. "Down the road, it's just going to be an interesting fact to tell people."
The Cavaliers shot an abysmal one-for-12 from three-point range in their first meeting against Florida State. Therefore, McGuire's role will also be magnified, as the Cavaliers must capitalize on her ability to shoot the three. One of the most prolific three-point shooters in school history, McGuire will need to find her stroke and jump-start the offense down this final stretch.
Senior leadership will be imperative to the team's success as the regular season comes to a close. To make a late-season push for a tournament bid and gather momentum heading into the ACC Tournament, Virginia needs to play well in these last three games. Nobody understands this more than the seniors, who have experienced late-season pressure in years past.
"We'll definitely play our hearts out the last [three] games," McGuire said.
At this point, many would consider the Cavaliers to be on the outside, looking in at the NCAA Tournament. Three more conference wins and a strong showing in the ACC Tournament, however, would certainly bolster the Cavaliers' tournament résumé. Virginia was in a similar position three years ago, but the Cavaliers faltered late in the season and missed out on March Madness.
The seniors on the squad certainly remember the disappointment of falling just short.
"It's kind of weighing on us now," Williams said. "I had a great four years here, and I'm going to finish it off strong."
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