The Virginia men’s basketball team has struggled in ACC play the last two seasons, compiling an 8-23 record entering Saturday’s regular season finale with Maryland. Clearly when a program goes through such a stretch, there are plenty of things to dissect as target areas for improvement. Some are subtle and go unnoticed from the fanbase. Others are easier to spot and draw more attention – a lot more – from the fans.

Enter inbounds plays. Try not to groan Cavalier fans.

Inbounds plays from underneath the basket have become a common complaint the last two seasons at UVa. Certain plays don’t seem to create any sort of realistic option to score or get the ball inbounds, resulting in a long lob pass toward or beyond the halfcourt line. The bailout pass option is typically built into any inbounds play, but the Hoos have to resort to it far too often. The concerns grow when it becomes a weekly pattern. When it becomes so predictable that the other team tries to retreat to intercept the long bailout pass like a defensive back, the criticism gets louder. Throw in a few turnovers, particularly when they lead to scores against in-state rival Virginia Tech, and let the groaning begin.

What causes the issues and can the Cavaliers fix it?

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