MBB vs UVA

The Hokies take on UVA in Charlottesville at 2PM today. The game is on ACC Regional Sports Networks; for me that means AT&T Sports Pittsburgh. UVA is 10-2 with losses at Purdue and to USCe at home. Both losses were after Braxton Key broke his wrist; although he played against USC, he was not 100%. In their last game against Navy, he started, played 37 minutes and scored 15 points with 7 rebounds.

The Hoos are not a lot taller than the Hokies, especially if Ojiako can be a factor. For reasons that I did not try to understand, there are 2 players who have statistics this year who are not listed on their roster; and there are two players on their roster who have not played. They are a much older team than the Hokies with a rSr, true Sr, rJr, So and one Fr starting and a So and Jr as primary subs.

Two tables for the stats guys. One is the typical table with season averages. They shoot 41% overall and 28% from three. they have more turnovers than assists on the season primarily because of 16 and 19 turnovers in the two losses. The other table is game by game stats.

UVA is not as good as they have been at times in the past; but they are still good and we are still young. I think we have the talent to make this a game; but we can't afford to get careless. UVA does not give opponents as many scoring opportunities as most teams. We will have to be efficient on offense; if we shoot like we can, we can win this game. I think Catoor may be a factor in this game; he has a very quick shot, which is important against the UVA defense. It would also be good for Ojiako to be a presence on both offense and defense. If he can force Diakite to make some mistakes or get in foul trouble, that would be a big factor.

They have only made 61 threes in 12 games. Surprisingly Diakite is one of their better 3 Pt shooter, with 11 on 24 attempts. The other threat from three is Clark with 16 on 44 attempts. Of course, we will probably see someone totally unexpected get hot from three in this game.

They have only won the rebound battle by 4 so far this season.

I think if we shoot well we win; but shooting well against UVA is not easy. The ball can't stick in Nolley's hands. The offense has to be active and efficient. Shots will be harder to get and many will be contested. A real test for our young team.

Go Hokies!