Virginia lost 82-73 to Vanderbilt in Sunday’s outdoor preseason exhibition, as the Commodores won the paint 46-22, fast-break points 20-5 and rebounds 43-36. Chance Mallory sat as a precaution, and coach Ryan Odom rested starters for much of the second half.
Mallory had twisted an ankle weeks earlier and was practicing without contact; Odom indicated he should return for the season opener. Christian Harmon, a likely rotation piece, also sat and was expected back in October. At least 14 Cavaliers played, and 12 scored.
Rim protection remains a concern: Virginia’s only block came from guard Elijah Gertrude, while elite shot-blocker Ugonna Onyenso is gone. The article says freshman Favour Ibe may need to contribute significantly. Virginia’s players other than its bigs shot 6-of-28 from three, and the team had 11 turnovers. Its next exhibitions are against Richmond on Oct. 9 and at Villanova on Oct. 22, before the Nov. 3 opener against Drexel.
