Tony Bennett
Virginia names change but defense the same
Tom Shanahan Nov 29 2016The Green Bay Packers finally lived up to Virginia basketball’s famed “Pack Line Defense” with a 27-13 Monday night over the Philadelphia Eagles.Virginia coach Tony Bennett’s Green Bay roots – he played at Wisconsin-Green Bay for his father, Dick Bennett – are the football...
Virginia on a roll to justify top seed
Tom Shanahan Mar 26 2016Ah, so that’s why Virginia earned a No. 1 seed.That’s what most us should be thinking after the Cavaliers advanced to the Elite Eight with a convincing 84-71 win over fourth-seeded Iowa State on Friday night in the Midwest Regional game at the United Center in Chicago....
Virginia looks ahead without Michigan State to face in Chicago
Tom Shanahan Mar 20 2016RALEIGH, N.C. — Virginia can breathe a sigh of relief this week. The Midwest Region’s No. 1 seed can travel to Chicago, the heart of Big Ten country, without worrying about their NCAA nemesis the last two years, Michigan State.As all March Madness fans have been aware since...
Texas Tech win prepares Butler for Virginia
Tom Shanahan Mar 17 2016RALEIGH, N.C. – Butler Coach Chris Holtmann studied Texas Tech’s game film all week and knew his Bulldogs were in for what he called “a grinder” for their NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional opener.What better way to prepare for top-seeded Virginia in the second round?...
Virginia ranked fifth in Today U countdown
Tom Shanahan Nov 2 2015Shortly after Michigan State upset Virginia in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett was asked to compare the 2015 Spartans to coach Tom Izzo’s 2014 Spartans.Unfortunately for Bennett, he was well-versed in Michigan State basketball. Two years in a row...
Michigan State experience holds off Virginia rallies
Tom Shanahan Mar 22 2015CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Five times Virginia trimmed Michigan State’s lead to a two-score game in the second half’s final 11 minutes Sunday afternoon at Time Warner Cable Arena.Five times the Virginia faithful, clad in orange and outnumbering Michigan State partisans with the game...