UVA basketball uplifts spirits with emotional upset of Baylor
In the face of unimaginable tragedy, UVA basketball found a way to lift spirits in Charlottesville with an upset win over Baylor on an emotional night.
There is no playbook for what the University of Virginia has gone through this week. On Sunday night, three UVA football players were killed and two other students, including running back Mike Hollins, were wounded in a shooting.
On Friday, the Cavaliers community was still trying to process the loss of Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry when the UVA basketball team tipped off against Baylor in the Continental Tire Main Event in Las Vegas.
Virginia players wore sweatshirts during warm-ups honoring the names and numbers of the fallen on their backs with the words “UVA Strong” on the front. Then they went out and played “UVA Strong.”
UVA basketball’s emotional win over Baylor meant more than basketball
The No. 16 Cavaliers came away with an 86-79 victory over No. 5 Baylor. It was a win that clearly meant more than just basketball.
“We know the pain and grief that so many are going through,” head coach Tony Bennett said after the win. “Situations like that really do put things in perspective…I want that coaching staff and those players to know how much we love them and are with them.”
"We know the pain and grief that so many are going through ... You [the team] honored the right things ... I want that coaching staff and those players to know how much we love them and are with them." - Coach TB pic.twitter.com/jrDwHRmXse
— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) November 19, 2022
As you can imagine, the UVA community and Twitter at large were emotional.
Unbelievably proud of this group, top to bottom. Finished the game, no turnovers and together. With the weight of what’s going on in their community this week, they came together and played as ONE and put smiles on a lot of faces. That’s what this game does. #UVAStrong 🔸🔹
— Justin Anderson (@JusAnderson1) November 19, 2022
#SPORTS do not make life's problems go away. Pain, loss and suffering don't vanish because of a little game with a ball and a hoop ... but they do provide a brief escape from life's troubles.
— Matt Zemek (@MattZemek) November 19, 2022
Enter #UVA basketball tonight.
I'm sure it means a lot to every Hoo out there.
The UVA basketball team just put up an absolutely phenomenal performance to beat #5 Baylor in Las Vegas.
— Ali Donaldson (@AliCDonaldson) November 19, 2022
This big win comes right when our community needs something to cheer for. Wahoowa #GoHoos #UVAStrong
Gosh that was a fun game to watch. For this fan base, for this community, boy was this a fun game to watch. We needed this one.
— Brian Leung (@brianjleung) November 19, 2022
🧡⚔️💙
Absolutely gutsy performance by the boys today - proud to have them showing what it means to be UVA Strong on the national stage
— Barstool UVA (@BarstoolUVA) November 19, 2022
UVa athletics are undefeated this week. I feel like there is a reason, a bigger reason 🙏🏻 🧡💙#GoHoos
— Brandon Lloyd (@blloyd8298) November 19, 2022
.As I sit at a restaurant in Charlottesville watching the UVA basketball game, my emotions are all over the place. I think about what this place has always meant to me and then I think that Lavel, D'Sean and Devin will never get to enjoy it to its fullness. I am so sad!
— TONY COVINGTON (@TCOVISUNDERDOG) November 19, 2022
Credit is due to Baylor for the way they handled a difficult scenario as well, locking arms with the Cavaliers to pray in solidarity after the final whistle.
As we prepare to meet on the court, our hearts are with the entire @UVA community following this week's tragic events.
— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) November 18, 2022
Please continue to keep the University of Virginia in your thoughts and prayers.#UVAStrong 🧡💙#SicEm | #CultureofJOY pic.twitter.com/bWFnZJ1u8t
What sportsmanship! Baylor praying with UVA. Coaches are friends and especially supportive after this week. #SicEm pic.twitter.com/IjZefuSxYy
— Sarah Rogers (@SarahRogersBU) November 19, 2022
Virginia will be back in action on Sunday against the winner of the matchup between Illinois and UCLA.
The Virginia football team will not play this weekend. Saturday’s scheduled game against Coastal Carolina was canceled.
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