Virginia dropped back-to-back games near the start of ACC play for the second straight season. This year’s squad fell at home against Florida State and on the road at Pittsburgh. The Double Bonus returns to take a closer look at the loss to Pitt.

The Panthers switched screens heavily on defense to combat UVA’s preferred mode of attack and caused matchup problems with five versatile players on offense. Having trouble finding a rhythm on either end, the Hoos turned quickly to a four guard lineup, which had rescued them earlier this season down the stretch against Ohio State, but not even that proved to be enough. While the offense found its footing, the defense couldn’t as Pittsburgh eventually pulled away in overtime.

Several storylines that emerged in Pittsburgh: 3-point shooting defense, defensive rebounding, London Perrantes’ finding his shooting touch but didn’t take a shot in overtime, and the aforementioned small ball approach with four guards on the floor. The latter two are good Double Bonus material.

Over the years, Tony Bennett has not jumped on the growing trend of small ball lineups. Used it? Sure. But moved to it as a primary strategy? No. In fact, other than some necessary shifts early in his career with Joe Harris and Justin Anderson playing ‘post’ on defense, he usually has preferred traditional lineups, but with a mobile forward when possible. Over the past year, however, he’s dipped his toe in the proverbial water more often.

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