Final Four 2019: Each team’s fatal flaw

Virginia: Offensive inconsistency

In their Elite 8 matchup against Purdue, the Virginia Cavaliers showed what they can be at their best. That might seem counter-intuitive since Carsen Edwards was lighting them up for 42 points and that the Cavaliers needed overtime to advance to the Final Four. However, that performance was largely about Edwards making tough shots rather than anything that UVA was doing for 45 minutes of action.

What the Cavaliers did show in that matchup, though, was their full arsenal. Under Tony Bennett, this team has thrived with their defense and, despite Edwards’ performance, the overall defense against Purdue was outstanding — even on Edwards. More impressive, however, was the Virginia offense was able to finally find a rhythm and go blow-for-blow with the Boilermakers and survive a heroic performance to win.

That performance stood out, though, because the UVA offense has not been firing on all cylinders in this tournament, and even going back to the ACC Tournament. From the loss to Florida State to wins against Gardner-Webb, Oklahoma and Oregon, the Hoos have not been as potent of an offensive team as they can be at their best, and that’s an issue for them.

Now coming into a matchup with the Auburn Tigers, that could be something to watch. Virginia’s pack-line defense is somewhat susceptible to 3-point shooting and that’s what Auburn loves to do. If the Tigers start making shots early and the UVA offense reverts back to inconsistent and unimpressive form, the Cavaliers could find themselves in a bad spot in their matchup.