UVA Basketball beats No. 5 Florida State

Danny O’Connor, staff writer

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Virginia Cavaliers pulled off their biggest win of the season by beating the No. 5 rated Florida State Seminoles, 61-56.

In this action-packed game, Virginia players Mamadi Diakite and Kihei Clark led the way combining for 34 points, while Florida State star freshman Devin Vassell was held to 17 points and 6 rebounds. 

Despite being an unranked team in their post-championship season, John Paul Jones Arena (JPJ) was at full capacity for this season-saving victory. After losing to three other unranked opponents in the last month, UVA proved many critics wrong with a win over a team in the top five in the country. 

To wrap up this victory, head coach Tony Bennett said in his press conference,  “I think we’ve established how we have to play. We just need to move the needle in all facets. It was a good step, but there’s miles to go before we sleep, so to speak.”

Without the guidance of players such as Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome, and De’Andre Hunter, UVA basketball has lost its overall team chemistry. But unlike many other sport programs undergoing a disappointing season, Cavalier fans still passionately support their team to the very end.

As a spectator at the Tuesday night game, I was impressed by the dedication shown by Hoos fans in attendance. In a game with the season and bragging rights on the line, JPJ remained loud from start to finish. It is good to know that even during trying times, the city of Charlottesville never loses its edge. 

If you live in the Charlottesville area and have not been to a home basketball game at JPJ, I would highly recommend the experience to everyone. Basketball is a sport played worldwide, and Charlottesville has the privilege to live near one of the best-coached teams in the country. The environment created by Tony Bennett has undoubtedly made UVA basketball the face of Charlottesville for many years to come.