Virginia men’s basketball team was playing in a hostile environment up the road against James Madison. JMU fans packed their new Atlantic Union Bank Arena with the largest crowd (8,439) ever to watch a Dukes game in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
The Dukes upset the Wahoos 52-49. It is James Madison’s first-ever win over Virginia in 12 meetings.
During the tight game, the fans injected their energy into the game. Unfortunately, a small but voiceful group of fans directed an obscene chant at Virginia head coach Tony Bennett.
Following the game, Bennett reflected he enjoyed the atmosphere despite the inappropriate chant towards him.
“What an atmosphere,” Bennett said per Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “What a beautiful arena. The fans were great, minus a few of them, a few things I heard. But that’s all part of it.”
Bennett added bigger schools playing mid-majors is good for college basketball. It’s a lesson he learned from his father, Dick Bennett.
Bennett’s response was full of class. He didn’t let the chant take away from the moment that belonged to his opponent James Madison. It’s a moment made official with the JMU fans storming the court.
Bennett has coached a fair share of upset losses in his career. None are bigger than when Virginia became the first No. 1 seed to lose to No. 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament to UMBC in 2018.
He also has his share of wins, including a 2019 national championship. This season’s team isn’t nearly as talented as either the 2018 or 2019 team. But, you won’t hear Bennett speak on it.
The night belonged to JMU and its fan base. Bennett won’t let a small overzealous group spoil that for the Dukes.
