Virginia Basketball Struggling Without Justin Anderson's Shooting Ability

On Feb. 7 in a home game against Louisville, Justin Anderson suffered a broken finger, and the injury is expected to keep Anderson sidelined for another three to six weeks. Although Virginia has edged out two close victories without the lefty, the Cavaliers desperately miss Anderson’s outside shooting.

On Saturday, Virginia edged out a close home victory against ACC foe Wake Forest and also survived a road test earlier in the week against NC State. The Cavaliers have lost a good defender in Anderson, but their biggest loss has been their outside shooting, or lack thereof, since his injury. Virginia’s last two wins have been a little too close for comfort for the Hoo Crew, but being able to win in the ACC without him is a good sign and should better prepare the Cavaliers for the tournaments ahead.

Without Anderson’s three-point shooting ability, Virginia has shot 18.2 percent against NC State and 16.7 percent against Wake Forest from long range. Despite the shooting woes, Virginia has been effective by playing as a unit. At Virginia, no cog is more valuable than the makeup of the entire machine. Tony Bennett has instilled an altruistic team culture — it’s all about five guys playing as one. With or without Anderson, Virginia will continue to execute and play well defensively.

Virginia will need Anderson back for March to make a big run. The Cavaliers can’t afford cold shooting nights from distance in the tournament. Bennett’s club will always hang their hat on defense, but will need Anderson’s shot making ability in the NCAA tournament.

James Szuba is a college basketball writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesSzuba.