Virginia had the opportunity to make a major move up in the ACC standings on its trip to Florida State.
But about everything positive the Cavaliers did to advance that possibility they countered with a negative in their 58-55 defeat.
The good: The Cavs shot 46.7 percent against a Seminoles' defense that had allowed their first 21 opponents to shoot only 37 percent from the field. The Cavs also forced the 'Noles into 19 turnovers.
The bad: They allowed the 'Noles to hit 47.8 percent -- 8.9 percentage points over what they usually give up -- and made 20 turnovers themselves, nearly eight over their usual mistakes.
Coach Tony Bennett spoke afterward of the need to clean up those turnovers and be more efficient.
"There was a stretch where we looked really poor with turnovers and got a little worn down," he said, "but they fought to get back to have a chance to tie."
The loss dropped the Cavaliers to 18-4 overall and 5-3 in the conference, which is good for fifth place at the halfway point.
They trail North Carolina, Florida State, Duke and North Carolina State, with a home game against Wake Forest coming up.
NOTES, QUOTES
--Senior F Mike Scott had 16 points and 11 rebounds in the loss to Florida State, for his second consecutive double-double and his seventh of the season. Scott averaged 18.6 points and 7.5 rebounds in Virginia's first eight ACC games. He was the No. 2 scorer in conference games through Feb. 5 and No. 2 rebounder. North Carolina's Tyler Zeller (17.8 points, a league-best 11.0 rebounds) was the only other player ranked in the top seven in both categories.
--The total margin of Virginia's four defeats this season after the three-point loss at Florida State is just 10 points. The Cavaliers also lost by two to TCU, three at Duke and two to Virginia Tech. But not all the close games have gone against the Cavaliers. They also have a pair of one-point wins (Miami and North Carolina State) and a four-point victory (Clemson).
--Virginia lost the rebounding for the second time in the five games C Assane Sene has sat out with an ankle injury; Florida State outrebounded the Cavaliers 28-24.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It was kind of guys giving it back and forth to each other." -- coach Tony Bennett, after Virginia and Florida State combined for 39 turnovers -- nearly one a minute -- in their game in Tallahassee.
THIS WEEK'S GAMES
--vs. Wake Forest, Feb. 8
F Travis McKie, who averages nearly 16 points and over seven rebounds a game, presents a challenge inside. G C.J. Harris, however, is leading the Demon Deacons in scoring while shooting over 45 percent from three-point range.
--at North Carolina, Feb. 11
The Tar Heels have the kind of balance inside (with Tyler Zeller and John Henson) and outside (with Harrison Barnes, Reggie Bullock, and Kendall Marshall) you would expect from a team seen as a strong Final Four contender. Keeping the game at their preferred pace will be crucial for the Cavaliers.
FUTURES MARKET
The Cavaliers have two meetings coming up with North Carolina. After the Feb. 11 games, they are host to the Tar Heels in John Paul Jones Arena on Feb. 25. They also have a rematch with Florida State at home on March 1.
PLAYER NOTES
--Sophomore G Joe Harris scored 16 points against Florida State -- his third straight game in double figures. He has had at least six points in six of his last seven outings.
--Freshman G Malcolm Brogdon had one of his stronger recent outings, with 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting against the Seminoles. It was his first game in double figures since getting 10 against Seattle on Dec. 21.
--Senior G Sammy Zeglinski was only 1 of 5 from 3-point range against the Seminoles, making him 2 of 12 the last two games after going 4 of 5 in the win over North Carolina State.
