Upset Alert? Catamounts Look to Dethrone Defending Champs
After taking down St. John’s in a 70-68 thriller over the weekend, Vermont brings that momentum to Charlottesville tonight for a date with No. 7 Virginia. It is no secret who the heavy favorite is in this contest (UVA -15, O/U 114.5), but the Catamounts will be giving the Wahoos their best shot at John Paul Jones Arena this evening. Here are some sabermetrics and tidbits to get you prepared for tonight’s battle between UVM and UVA:
The Fabulous 50s? After beating St. John’s, Vermont locked in its first 4-0 start since 1977. A win tonight would be UVM’s first 5-0 start since the 1950-51 season. 1950 happens to be the same year that the disposable diaper was invented by Ms. Marion Donovan. Props to her.
Wahoowa! Virginia, of course, goes by the name “Cavaliers.” However, you might still see some folks call Tony Bennett’s squad the “Wahoos,” or “Hoos” for short. The wahoo is a type of bass fish that is capable drinking twice its weight. So, if we are breaking down Virginia’s roster, their heaviest player, Francisco Caffaro, *should* be able to guzzle down approximately 488 pounds of water, if he declares himself a legit Wahoo.
Manage This. Virginia has blown out each of its first three opponents. That has given Coach Bennett and staff the chance to give the regulars some more time on the bench, more playing time for the walk-ons and… managers? That’s right. A pair of student managers have logged 2 minutes so far this season for UVA. Here’s to hoping our hard-working managers, Earle and Ryan, get the nod from Coach Becker at some point this season. That sure would be a treat.
Make A Wish. This will be the 2nd all-time meeting between Vermont and Virginia. The lone contest also came at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, with Virginia coming out on top 90-72. The game took place on November 11th 2007, otherwise known as 11/11. Former UVM star and current Associate HC Kyle Cieplicki dropped 13 points in that one. There does not seem to be a confirmed origin as to why people make wishes when clocks read 11:11, but if your wish is for the Catamounts to win this game, I certainly won’t fault you for that one.