Lowest Scoring College Basketball Game In Shot Clock Era
The world of college basketball has seen many memorable games over the years. From buzzer-beating shots to upset victories, there is no shortage of excitement in the world of college hoops. However, there have been some games that were memorable for all the wrong reasons. One such game is the lowest scoring college basketball game in shot clock era.
What is the Shot Clock Era?
The shot clock era in college basketball began in 1985. Before the introduction of the shot clock, teams could hold onto the ball for as long as they wanted, leading to low-scoring games and a lack of excitement. The shot clock was introduced to speed up the game and increase scoring. The shot clock gives teams 35 seconds to shoot the ball or lose possession.
The Lowest Scoring Game
The lowest scoring college basketball game in shot clock era was played on January 7, 2012, between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Virginia Cavaliers. The final score was a shocking 28-22 in favor of Virginia. The game was played at a snail's pace, with both teams struggling to score.
The Game Itself
The game was played in the ACC, one of the top college basketball conferences in the country. Both teams came into the game with a losing record and were struggling to find their way. The game was played at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia, and was attended by over 12,000 fans.
The game was a defensive battle from start to finish. The two teams combined to shoot just 23.4% from the field and 13.3% from three-point range. Virginia led 16-8 at halftime, and neither team could muster much offense in the second half. In fact, the two teams combined for just 22 points in the second half.
Why Was the Game So Low Scoring?
There are several reasons why the game was so low scoring. First, both teams were struggling offensively coming into the game. Georgia Tech was averaging just 60.2 points per game, while Virginia was averaging 60.8 points per game. Second, both teams played excellent defense. Virginia was known for their defense, holding opponents to an average of just 49.8 points per game that season. Georgia Tech was also a strong defensive team, holding opponents to just 61.5 points per game.
Finally, the game was played at an incredibly slow pace. Both teams were content to play a half-court game, with each possession lasting several seconds. This led to fewer possessions, which in turn led to fewer scoring opportunities. The game was frustrating for fans and players alike, with many criticizing the style of play.
The Aftermath
The game was a forgettable one for both teams, but it had a bigger impact on Virginia. The Cavaliers went on to finish the season with a 22-10 record and made it to the NCAA tournament. However, they were upset in the first round by the Florida Gators. The game also had an impact on Virginia's head coach, Tony Bennett. Bennett was criticized by some for his team's slow style of play, and many wondered if he was the right man for the job. However, Bennett stuck to his principles, and Virginia has since become one of the top programs in the country.
Conclusion
The lowest scoring college basketball game in shot clock era may not be a game that fans remember fondly, but it serves as a reminder of how important the shot clock is to the game. Without the shot clock, games like this would be all too common. While the game was frustrating for fans and players, it also showed the importance of playing strong defense and sticking to your principles. Virginia may have been criticized for their style of play, but they stuck to their guns and ultimately had success.
