KT Harrell and the Hoos survived a scare against Norfolk State.

Before my team’s game on Monday night, I reminded the players in the pregame talk that “it’s never easy to win.” It takes effort and execution every time out against any team you ever play to leave with a victory. As I watched the second half tick away of Virginia’s eventual 50-49 win against Norfolk State, I kept reflecting on that phrase and how it applied to the Hoos on this forgettable December night.

It’s never easy to win. I know it sounds like coach-speak and, frankly, it is – but they call things cliches for a reason. But even if fans, players, coaches, and others alike didn’t believe the “it’s never easy to win” mantra before Monday night, everyone probably will keep that thought in the back of their mind as they watch future games. Yes talent matters. Yes “gimme” home games against the likes of Norfolk State should go smoothly.

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