I think the burial metaphor would imply that someone/thing is in the hole whilst the dirt is being poured, rather than it being more of an objective figurative hole, as that term would be used in relation to, say, finances. I would further extrapolate from the context and sentiment that the men's basketball team is in that hole, and their situation would be made worse by any said pouring of dirt.
Not to rain on your metaphor, but if Knowlton poured dirt into the hole that Wyking dug, doesn't that mean Knowlton made the situation better??? ;-)
I think the burial metaphor would imply that someone/thing is in the hole whilst the dirt is being poured, rather than it being more of an objective figurative hole, as that term would be used in relation to, say, finances. I would further extrapolate from the context and sentiment that the men's basketball team is in that hole, and their situation would be made worse by any said pouring of dirt.