The Virginia Cavaliers showcased their strength with a decisive 84-60 victory against the California Golden Bears on March 15, 2024. This win brings the Cavaliers’ record to 13-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Following the match, head coach Ryan Odom addressed the media, highlighting the team’s performance and areas for improvement.
Odom noted the significance of the game, stating, “Good basketball game, you know, all around for us.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by California’s defense, which pressured the Cavaliers throughout the first half. Despite only recording five turnovers, Odom pointed out instances of loose balls that could have been costly. The end of the first half proved pivotal, as Virginia executed well on both offense and defense, establishing a comfortable lead going into halftime.
In the second half, the Cavaliers maintained their focus and intensity. Odom praised the team’s ability to stick to the game plan, saying, “I was really proud of the guys in the second half, how they came out, you know, ready to play defensively.” Although the team faced issues with fouling, he commended their overall defensive effort. California started strong, hitting ten of their first sixteen shots, but Virginia’s defense tightened as the game progressed.
Odom also addressed the challenges of defending against a high-volume three-point shooting team like California. “They seek a lot of threes… It’s hard to do both when you’re playing against a high-volume three-point shooting team,” he explained. Despite these challenges, Odom felt that his players displayed discipline and executed their defensive strategies effectively.
The coach emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, particularly in offensive play. “We can’t lose that ability to really share the ball and put pressure on our opponents,” he stated. Virginia’s performance was noteworthy even though their shooting percentage was not at its peak, indicating that they managed to create quality scoring opportunities.
Highlighting individual performances, Odom singled out Chance as a standout player. “He’s a really good player and… he can find things that shouldn’t be there,” Odom remarked. His ability to make plays on both ends of the court has proven invaluable for the Cavaliers.
Looking ahead, Odom expressed confidence in his team’s prospects. “I’m not worried about the margin. It’s more about how we’re playing,” he noted, stressing the importance of maintaining home court advantage and winning on the road. The Cavaliers’ ability to secure victories away from home is critical as they aim for championship contention.
Odom also praised the development of key players like Malik and Johann, referring to them as a “two-headed monster” for their impressive rim protection. He believes both players have the potential to play professionally, particularly noting the elite shot-blocking skills of Malik.
As the season progresses, Odom remains focused on refining his team’s performance. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the coaching staff to support players in adjusting to the Cavaliers’ defensive style, especially those who have transferred from different programs. This commitment to development is crucial as Virginia aims to build on its current success and strive for greater achievements in the coming games.
