Tag: University of Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia’s First Four loss would be more shameful if it weren’t par for the course

I would like to say UVA should be better than this, but I don’t believe that.

This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Have feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey! Now, here’s Mike Sykes.

Gooood morning, folks! Welcome back to the Morning Win. Thanks so much for rocking with us here at FTW today. We appreciate you.

I’m sorry if you watched that stinker from Virginia on Tuesday along with the rest of us. If you didn’t? Bless your heart. I’m glad you were able to spend your time productively.

Virginia lost to Colorado State 67-42 in a battle of 10 seeds. Well, honestly, calling it a “battle” is probably putting a bit too much spin on it. This game wasn’t very competitive at all. The Cavaliers only scored 14 points on five made field goals in the first half. It’s a wonder UVA even finished with 42.

IT’S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY’s NCAA tournament bracket contest for a chance at $1 million prize.

This does nothing to diminish the good Colorado State basketball team on the other end. That team deserves a spot in the tournament earned it. I just wish UVA didn’t make it so easy for them.

Fans had no choice but to wonder if the committee got it wrong by picking them. Today, it’s very clear they did. We’d all rather have watched Robbie Avila do literally anything on the basketball court with Indiana State than what we saw.

The worst part is that I’d like to be surprised by this result. But I’m not. It’s become par for the course.

Tony Bennett has built a successful program at Virginia over the last 13 seasons. He’s had a ton of tournament success and, obviously, the 2019 championship goes a long way.

But here’s a wild stat for you: Since 2018, UVA only has six NCAA tournament wins. All six came from that 2019 title run. Every other year the Cavaliers have bowed out in the round of 64. Now we’ve got a First Four loss. It’s not quite worse, but it’s still pretty bad.

Tony Bennett is the guy at UVA. He’s not going anywhere. But it’s very, very clear that he’s got a lot of work to do to fix this.

SURVIVOR POOL: Free to enter. $2,500 to win. Can you survive the madness?

Betting big on Caitlin Clark and Women’s Basketball

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Hate her or love her, there’s no question that Caitlin Clark has changed the future of women’s basketball for the bettor. Did you catch that double-entendre? I sure hope so.

Our Ben Fawkes did some digging into Clark’s impact on sports betting in women’s basketball, and, yes, it’s as significant as you think it is. Here’s more from Ben:

“Clark has also led to an increase in betting interest across the 38 legal U.S. betting states, both on Clark and on women’s college basketball writ large. For several sportsbooks, that’s meant offering individual game props (e.g. Clark over/under total points) on women’s college basketball games for the first time, as well as an expanded menu of women’s games to wager on.”

DraftKings, in particular, shared that betting on NCAA women’s hoops is up 14 times year-over-year by handle and 13 times year-over-year by bets placed. Fawkes spoke with DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello, who told him that Clark is directly linked to this increase.

“She’s the primary reason why handle has gone up,” Avello told FTW. “We’ve done props on her scoring in individual games, breaking Pistol Pete’s record. All of it has added to the women’s handle.”

Clark is a catalyst for women’s hoops in so many ways. The only thing left to see now is if she can bring this same fervor to the next level when she finally makes her jump to the WNBA.

I’d bet on that going well, too.

READ MORE: How Caitlin Clark fueled the rise of betting on women’s college basketball

Seoul Series Forever

(Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Did you wake up early enough to get a glimpse at the MLB Seoul Series in South Korea? It was a treat.

This morning’s game (or tonight’s game if you’re reading this from South Korea) was the first of two games between the Dodgers and Padres in Seoul, South Korea. It’s the first MLB game ever played in the country and, yes, though the regular season technically hasn’t started yet, these games do count as regular season wins and losses.

That’s good news for the Dodgers, who won the first game 5-2. We saw Shohei Ohtani’s first hit as a Dodger—a single in the third inning against Yu Darvish.

Ohtani also blasted a foul ball through the roof of the stadium they were playing in, which doesn’t count for anything but is still incredibly impressive.

Not only was there a ton of fun baseball being played, but South Korea also spoiled us with epic performances from aespa. Fun times!

Can baseball always be like this? Please and thanks.

Next game: Thursday, March 21 at 6 a.m. ET. 

Quick hits: Why Caleb Williams will be different for Chicago … Our staff March Madness picks … and more

— Robert Zeglinski paints the picture on why Caleb Williams won’t fail like every other Bears QB prospect has.

— Here’s Blake Schuster with all of our picks for the men’s NCAA tournament.

— Christian D’Andrea is coming to us with the Rhode Island Scumbag’s key to betting on the tournament. Good luck.

— I could never hit a pitch from Yu Darvish. I already knew that, but this video confirms it. Charles Curtis has more.

— Here’s Candace Parker on the big hurdle Caitlin Clark will face going to the WNBA. Meg Hall has more.

— Cory Woodroof has more here on the Jets trapping themselves into depending on Aaron Rodgers to lead them to glory.

Thanks so much for reading, folks. Hope you enjoyed today’s newsletter. Tap in tomorrow for more! Until next time. Peace.

-Sykes ✌️

Series of gaffes sink Virginia in late loss to North Carolina State

North Carolina State edged mistake-prone Virginia after a series of mistakes by the Cavs

Virginia did everything imaginable to lose its game to North Carolina State in the final minutes on Friday while trying to send it to overtime.

And, the third flub proved to be the charm as the Wolfpack downed the Cavaliers, 24-21, on a field goal after time expired.

A touchdown brought Virginia within 21-19 when the gaffes started.

The mistakes:

3rd & Goal at NCSU 3

(0:36 – 4th) Anthony Colandrea pass complete to Malik Washington for 3 yds for a TD Virginia Penalty, UNS: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Ty Furnish) to the NCSU 0

On the then 18-yard 2-point conversion, Colandrea was flagged for another personal foul, earned in a combination of his helmet being removed and flexing to the crowd.

The ensuing kickoff was pushed back 15 yards because of the penalty on Colandrea.

That set up Julian Gray for a 35-yard return to the Virginia 48.

NC State positioned itself for a field-goal attempt as time was set to expire.

The 48-yarder was blocked.

However, another blockhead play by Virginia as special teamer James Jackson was flagged for a personal foul.

3rd & 8 at UVA 30
(0:03 – 4th) Narveson,Brayden field goal attempt from 48 yards NO GOOD blocked by Jackson,James (H: Noonkester,Caden, LS: Shimko,Joe), clock 00:00 PENALTY UVA Personal Foul (Jackson,James) 15 yards from UVA30 to UVA15, 1ST DOWN. NO PLAY.

On the second field-goal attempt with 0:00 on the clock, Brayden Narveson’s 33-yard field goal was good and the Cavs fell to 0-4 on the season.

1st & 10 at UVA 15

(0:00 – 4th) Brayden Narveson 33 yd FG GOOD

 

University of Virginia honors slain players with posthumous degrees

The University of Virginia is honoring its 3 slain players with posthumous degrees

The University of Virginia on Tuesday announced it will honor the three student-athletes who were killed in a shooting last month with posthumous degrees.

All three players were shot and killed on a charter bus after returning home from a class trip to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 13. Two others, running back Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan, were shot but survived and have been released from the hospital.

Per Virginiasports.com:

The College of Arts & Sciences departments where the students were studying, and the Office of the Provost, approved awarding the posthumous degrees to Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry. Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Programs Rachel Most, who served as dean for all three students in the College, initiated the request.

Davis, a third-year student from Ridgeville, South Carolina, majored in African American and African studies. Chandler, a second-year student from Huntersville, North Carolina, majored in American studies. Fourth-year Perry, of Miami, double majored in studio art and in African American and African studies.

At Davis’ funeral service on Nov. 30 in North Charleston, South Carolina, Athletic Direct Carla Williams said it became obvious in talking with Davis’ family “why earning his degree from the University of Virginia was so important to Lavel. He worked extremely hard for it.”

“Earning his degree from the University of Virginia was so important to Lavel,” Hollins said at Davis’ funeral service in North Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 30. “He worked extremely hard for it.”

.

Taylor Heinicke pays tribute to University of Virginia with cool shoes

Taylor Heinicke pays tribute to the University of Virginia and its slain players

Taylor Heinicke arrived at the Washington Commanders’ game on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons in statement shoes.

The quarterback, who gas invigorated the Washington offense, paid tribute to the University of Virginia and its players — Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D’Sean Perry — who were killed two weeks ago in shoes that were in Cavaliers colors and read Virginia strong.

Well done, Taylor Heinicke.

Patriots team plane takes University of Virginia athletes, staff to services for slain players

The New England Patriots have been generous in the past by allowing their team plane to be used by places and teams in need. The latest example is ongoing as the AFC East team has allowed its team plane to be used by the University of Virginia so …

The New England Patriots have been generous in the past by allowing their team plane to be used by places and teams in need.

The latest example is ongoing as the AFC East team has allowed its team plane to be used by the University of Virginia so the Cavaliers’ staff and players can attend the funerals of the three players who were killed in a tragic incident after returning from a school trip earlier this month.

The three Cavaliers football players shot and killed were junior receiver Lavel Davis Jr. of Dorchester, South Carolina; junior receiver Devin Chandler of Huntersville, North Carolina; and junior defensive end/linebacker D’Sean Perry of Miami.

Per ESPN.com:

The entire Virginia football team will attend the funeral service for D’Sean Perry on Saturday in Miami, the first of three funerals for their deceased teammates.

The team will also be at the memorial service for Devin Chandler on Sunday in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the celebration of life service for Lavel Davis Jr. on Wednesday in North Charleston, South Carolina. Perry, Chandler, and Davis were shot and killed on a charter bus Nov. 13 after returning home from a class trip. Running back Mike Hollins and a fifth student, Marlee Morgan, were also shot, but survived.

A spokesperson for the Patriots told Touchdownwire.com that team owner Robert Kraft did handle the cost for UVA to use the plane for the trips to the players’ services and funerals.

There is a UVA connection between the Cavaliers and the Patriots. Former Patriots star Chris Slade is the current defensive ends coach for the Cavaliers.

Per Virginiasports.com:

Slade was a second-round draft pick (31st overall selection) by the New England Patriots in 1993. During his eight years (1993-2000) with the team, he was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team and was a three-time defensive player of the year.

He served as a team captain and was recognized as a Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro after the 1997 season. Slade was named to the Patriots’ 1990s All-Decade Team.

He played his final professional season (2001) as a Carolina Panther.

During his nine-year professional career, he appeared in a total of 142 games, totaling 664 tackles including 53.5 sacks and an additional 16 tackles for loss. He was a member of the Patriots team that played in Super Bowl XXXI.

Juan Thornhill raffling off cleats paying tribute to slain Virginia players

Juan Thornhill with a wonderful gesture with a clever raffle

Kansas City Chiefs DB Juan Thornhill is turning a wonderful gesture into a better one.

Thornhill will wear cleats Sunday when the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi that honor the memory of the 3 Virginia football players who were killed a week ago Sunday.

And, Thornhill is offering a chance to win the cleats through a raffle. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the victims of the senseless shootings.

Here are the details if you want to get involved in this wonderful event:

On Sunday, November 13th, 2022, tragedy struck the Charlottesville community when three young, outstanding men lost their lives.Three UVA football players, Larnel Davis Jr. (True Junior), D’Sean Perry (Redshirt Junior) & Devin Chandler (True Junior), tragically lost their lives. Two others were seriously injured in the incident.

I have started this giveaway to raise money for the victims’ families to help cover the cost of each of their funerals and alleviate other expenses the families are enduring.

As a UVA football alumnus and friend of the victims, this touches home for me as it does for so many across the nation. All donations from this campaign will go directly to each of the victim’s families to help alleviate any expenses due to the tragedy.

As a thank you for the donations, I would like to enter every donor into a giveaway for the following:

1) Game-worn tribute cleats, as pictured above

2) Signed Juan Thornhill game-worn jersey

3) Two (2) tickets to a Chiefs playoff game this postseason

Every $20 donated to this cause will give the donor one (1) ticket for the drawing. For instance, a $100 donation will equate to 5 raffle tickets.

The giveaway drawing will happen on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022, and the winner will be chosen randomly.

Thank everyone for contributing to this cause that will fully support families in a time of need & grieving.

University of Virginia adds security for memorial service after threatening email

The University of Virginia received an email threatening the memorial service for 3 slain football players

A threatening email was sent to the University of Virginia regarding Saturday’s memorial for the 3 slain football players.

The school responded with a message for all attendees:

“Pleased be advised that UVA has enhanced security measures in and near the Arena. At this time, the Memorial will continue as planned.”

Devin Chandler of Virginia Beach, Lavel “Tyler” Davis of Dorchester, South Carolina, and D’Sean Perry of Miami, Florida, were shot to death Sunday when a class trip returned from Washington D.C.

Commanders helmets to have decals honoring slain Virginia football players

The Commanders will pay tribute to the slain UVa football players

The Washington Commanders announced on Friday the helmets players wear during Sunday’s game with the Houston Texans will have decals carrying the numbers of the slain Virginia football players.

Lavel Davis Jr., D’Sean Perry, and Devin Chandler were shot to death Sunday when the bus carrying a group of students returned from a field trip to a play in Washington D.C.

Chiefs Juan Thornhill’s cleats to honor 3 slain Virginia players

Juan Thornhill of the Chiefs will honor the 3 slain Virginia players

Kansas City Chiefs DB Juan Thornhill is honoring the memory of the three University of Virginia players who were killed Sunday.

Thornhill, who played college football at Virginia, posted on social media the cleats that he will wear Sunday when the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers.

The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of three members of the UVA team – Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry. Another player Mike Hollins was wounded. A fifth student was also wounded.

University of Virginia cancels football game with Coastal Carolina

Virginia has canceled its football game with Coastal Carolina

The University of Virginia announced Wednesday it is canceling its football game with Coastal Carolina that was scheduled to be played on Saturday.

The decision comes in the aftermath of Sunday’s tragic killing of 3 Cavalier football players. Two others were wounded in the senseless incident.

Per Virginiasports.com:

The Virginia athletics department announced today (Nov. 16) the Cavaliers’ home football game vs. Coastal Carolina scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 has been canceled. The decision was made following the shooting of five students on Grounds Sunday night. The incident resulted in the deaths of three members of the UVA team – Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry.

The game would have been Virginia’s final home game of the 2022 season.

A decision if Virginia will participate in its final game of the season, a Nov. 26 (Saturday) date against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, has not been made at this time.

The parents of D’Sean Perry issued a statement.