Virginia should do whatever it takes never to play an NCAA tournament game on March 16 again. It’s bad luck.
Five years ago, it was UMBC as a 16-seed. This year, it was Furman as a 13-seed. March 16 or 3/16 is not a kind date for the Virginia Cavaliers.
It’s eerie. The numbers 1 and 3 make up 13, and 1 and 6 make up 16. 13 and 16 are the seeds of the Furman Paladins and the UMBC Golden Retrievers.
The Furman matchup was tough, mostly because of the ending. As it pertains to UMBC, not only was that historical, but it turns out that Golden Retrievers are not just beautiful dogs who can be lovable, but secretly, they are a group of feisty folks who have pretty sharp teeth that can be used to cut up an upset if needed.
Whatever the case is, Virginia should not want to play an NCAA Tournament game on March 16 ever again. The proof is in the pudding.
Virginia should never play an NCAA Tournament game on March 16 after horrible losses to UMBC and Furman on the same day.
Losing in the NCAA tournament to underdogs is not something new for UVA. Granted, a team like Gonzaga has done it constantly, but the Zags play in the WCC. In case anyone forgot, the Cavs come from the ACC, known for exceptional basketball play. Teams like UNC, Duke, FSU, Louisville, and VA Tech reside in the confines.
Virginia’s 2019 run is something to be marveled at as it was a true redemption story, but only so many exist within a lifetime. Since that magical ride ended in victory in Minneapolis, the Cavaliers have once again returned to their abode of tournament troubles, eerily similar to the John Calipari-led Kentucky Wildcats.
Whatever the case, March 16 is not a day Cavaliers fans want to play another basketball game on. If it happens again next season, it’d be best for whoever fills out a bracket to take the team playing UVA. Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.
