Daily dribble

Thanksgiving recap

Virginia 84, Indiana 79: Judging from her game-high 39 minutes played, it would appear as though China Crosby's tailbone injury is a thing of the past. Disregard that final score; for the most part the Cavs cruised to Friday's Junkanoo Jam final in a game that wasn't as close as the score suggests.

Syracuse 65, Old Dominion 32:
--Yuck. ODU scores 11 in the second half and sets a new program low, shooting 20.3 percent. . Louisville is next. Yet. To be fair, Lady Monarchs are without their top player and Jasmine Parker flew in late due to her brother's funeral. Simply put, these Lady Monarchs are not whole, and the schedule is unforgiving. Next up: NCAA runner-up Louisville.

Friday's action

Virginia (4-1) vs. South Dakota State (2-3), Junkanoo Jam final, 8 p.m.
The upstart Jackrabbits are disciplined, don't beat themselves and when they're on can hit shots from anywhere. But hey, the Cavaliers learned all that three years ago. We're sure Monica Wright remembers, and we're betting she comes out determined to make sure it doesn't happen again. Virginia 77, South Dakota State 67

Richmond (3-1) vs. Clemson (3-1), WBCA Classic in Storrs, Conn., 5 p.m.
The Spiders will be playing on UConn's court. Let's hope some of that Huskies magic seeps through their shoes. Richmond 68, Clemson 64

Hampton (2-1) at SMU (4-0), SMU Tournament, 7 p.m.
Host teams try to guarantee they'll make their own final by scheduling an opponent they believe they'll surely beat. Fans and sponsors are also banking on an SMU win, so the Lady Pirates better thrive on us-against-the-world scenarios because no one at Moody Coliseum is going to want them to succeed. SMU 65, Hampton 55

Norfolk State (1-2) at UAB (1-3), UAB Thanksgiving Classic, 7 p.m.
See Hampton-SMU comment - different teams, same scenario. Again, it's really tough to beat the host school in these spots. And don't be too put off by UAB's record. The losses have come to Ohio State, Florida and Miami. UAB 75, Norfolk State 62

North Carolina Central (0-4) at George Mason (2-2), 7 p.m.
The Patriots haven't been over the .500 mark in more than two years, but that should change at about 9 p.m. Friday. Not only is Mason unbeaten at home (2-0), but the Lady Eagles are being outscored by 28 points a game this season. George Mason 71, North Carolina Central 51

William and Mary (2-2) vs. South Alabama (2-1), Seattle Redhawks Tournament, 8 p.m.
Freshman Jaclyn McKenna continues to torch the nets, as she's shooting at a 77.3-percent clip, has not missed more than two shots in any game and is perfect (2-2) from 3-point range. Neither of these teams have won away from home, so when we're in doubt, we'll lean towards the local team...barely. William and Mary 72, South Alabama 69