Still dealing with the Crud here in the Peterson household so I managed the writeup but no pictures and twitter posts today.
GAME INFORMATION
Date/Time: Jan. 13, 2018 / 4 p.m.
Opponent: University of Louisville
Site: Louisville, Kentucky (KFC Yum! Center)
Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network
Talent: Jon Laaser & Mike Burnop
Internet: ESPN2
Talent: Doug Sherman & Jimmy Dykes
Live Stats: HokieSports.com
Game Notes: Virginia Tech
SIRI 84 (Internet 84)
Which Bird Wins?
Buzzketball has evened out their ACC record with wins over Pitt and Wake Forest. This is a different challenge. The game will have the crowd and stage of the Kentucky game if not quite the star power this game used to have. Louisville still has a bit of a cloud hanging over it with the scandal in college basketball ending Rick Pitino's tenure as coach of the Cardinals.
This is a road game, sure to be close to a sellout of the KFC YUM Center, the Hokies seem to take a shine to these situations so hopefully this is no different. The Hokies need to be ready right out the gate to execute their offense effectively. The Hokies have to be on target from the perimeter or this could be long afternoon. This will be the fortieth meeting between the Hokies and Cardinals. Louisville leads the all-time series 31-8.
The Cardinals are coached by David Padgett, who has been at Louisville since 2011 as an assistant coach and was designated the Interim Head Coach when Louisville decided to fire Rick Pitino for his alleged role in pay for play with a Louisville recruit. His first season has gone well so far starting 12-4. The Cardinals stumbled out of the blocks early on against other top conference opponents but then got on track, their losses coming against Purdue, Seton Hall, Kentucky and Clemson. The Cardinals have wins over Florida State, Memphis, Indiana, and George Mason. The win that stands out is their most recent, the 73-69 upset of #23 Florida State, especially with how difficult the Hokies have had playing the Seminoles recently.
Defensively, Louisville uses the Matchup Press Defense which is a high pressure, man to man defense that looks to trap teams at key points on the court. It is designed to prevent penetration stopping the ball handler that is having to deal with two defenders in difficult locations to pass or shoot. The defender that is on the ball handler is expected to be up close, hand in face to create turnovers or force drives to the corners rather than the lane. The difficulty in running this defense is having defenders identify the points they break off their man to man coverage to assist with trapping the ball handler. If not done correctly it can leave a defense exposed to open shooters all over.
Offensively, the Cardinals run a 2-1-2 zone offense. In this offense, picture an X centered on the free throw line. The primary post player will be found at the center of the X, with two guards to the perimeter and two forwards to the baseline. Having a post player that can pass cleanly and effectively is crucial to the success of this offense.
What does that mean for the Hokies?
The Hokies are getting an opponent that is going to dwarf the Hokies, while not giving up much in terms of athleticism and speed. Six of the Cardinals top eight scorers are forwards. If the Hokies are going to compete today than Bibbs and Hill both have to be burning the net down. Forcing Louisville out to guard the perimeter is critical if the Hokies want to be able to avoid their traps.
Get to the free throw line, get the Louisville defense on its heels and get their bigs in early foul trouble. Last season we had something like 29 attempts from the free throw line. Even if we have an off night at the line, with that many attempts it will make a huge impact on the final score of this game.
The Hokies need to make an honest effort to limit points off turnovers and second chance points. Outside of the Pitt game, the last five games the Hokies have given up double digit points in these categories. Its extremely difficult to overcome top level competition like Louisville when you are giving away 20% or more of your total possessions in every game. This was the only reason the Wake Forest game was close, as the Hokies allowed the Demon Deacons 25 points from these two categories.
Cardinals Backcourt
Quentin Snyder, (#4) 6'2, 180 Lbs Senior Guard comes in averaging 12.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 4.1 APG. He is shooting 35% from outside and at the free throw line, shooting 85%. Snyder is the primary ball handler for the Cardinals. He is the one we have to be concerned about driving the ball and making a great pass to an open look. He is also the only guard in the top five scorers for the Cardinals so if he happens to get in foul trouble, the next man up is way down the depth chart.
Ryan McMahon, (#30), 6', 165 Lbs Sophomore is averaging 6.6 PPG, 1.3 RPG, and 1.6 APG. He shoots 39% from outside and is likely the Cardinals biggest threat to heat up from long range as one opponent always seems to do against the Hokies. He hits 83% of his free throws. He missed time at the beginning of the season but has been fairly productive the last five games, especially scoring 11 against Florida State, hitting three big three's to help the Cardinals win that contest.
Cardinals Frontcourt
Deng Adel, (#22), 6'7, 200 Lbs Junior Forward is the Cardinals leading scorer, averaging 15.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG. Adel is usually one of the baseline forwards that is shooting 56% inside, 30% from outside on four attempts per game and 82% from the free throw line. Adel is the only one in the top five that has any indications of foul trouble, averaging 2.4 per contest.
Raymond Spalding, (#13), 6'10, 210 Lbs Junior is averaging 11.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 2 BPG and is arguably the Cardinals most important player this season. His ability to control the boards has allowed others to expand their shooting zone and spread the court making it much more difficult to defend or attack the Cardinals. He shoots 52% inside and 67% from the line. His numbers have essentially doubled from his two previous seasons with the Cardinals.
V.J. King, (#0), 6'6, 190 Lbs, is averaging 8.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 1 APG. He is shooting 38% inside and 38% outside on three attempts per game. He only hits 66% of his free throws.
Anas Mahmoud, (#14), 7', 200 Lbs Senior is another big that has blossomed for the Cardinals this year after putting up paltry numbers his first three seasons. He is averaging 8.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 1.1 APG. He has hit 60% of his shots this season but only makes free throws 46% of the time.
What to expect from Louisville?
The Cardinals rely mostly on their offense to go fast and get up and down the court but this season have been able to adapt to a larger, slightly slower lineup and dominate the paint. They have played in quite a few barnburner type games. Usually success for the Cardinals is creating turnovers and turning them into points to spread their lead while also wearing down their opponents.
Rebounding is also a huge key to how Louisville separates itself from its opponents. They have had success this season when they outrebound an opponent by double digit margins. The rebounds allow them quick put back points or to kick the ball out to Snyder to begin again at the top of the key. They have struggled somewhat in the ACC so far, allowing opponents one more offensive rebound and only having 10 more rebounds total through three games. Another part of this though is that the Cardinals have the third highest shooting percentage of any team in the ACC, limiting the number of rebounds to be had.
Shooting from outside does not usually play a big factor for the Cardinals, who attempt some of the fewest three pointers in the ACC at around 17 per contest. Then again, they are facing the Hokies who seek to inspire teams to splashdown glory so look out for McMahon having a big day.
The Hokies
Tech needs to be ready to go fast in this game. The defense and offense of Louisville play into the hands of what Tech likes to do best so they should be able to turn this game if they are consistently making their shots, especially from outside.
Tech has to be really mindful of foul trouble in this contest. Louisville has too many mountains to roll out on the floor for Clarke or Blackshear to have to sit for any long periods of time and have the Hokies be successful.
Space and pace is the big thing in the NBA right now, but in this game it's a sort of war cry for the Hokies. Find the area that the Cardinals aren't able to stretch their defensive presence and get the ball to open shooters.
Highlight of the Wake Game
Chris Clarke, especially with the fast break dunk, but his line for the game was 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and two steals. He might also get hit for the low light of the game as well though with his 6 turnovers.
In Closing
The Hokies are going to need an abundance of free throws and shooting above 50% from the floor to win this game.
The Cardinals will look to take the ball inside and use their size to their advantage.
With the two recent wins, this becomes just another road game in regards the path to the Tournament. The Hokies are back on track if they play like they did at Wake Forest for the rest of the season.
Hokies lose a close one 75-72 because all the pieces kind of come together here to give the Cardinals just enough leeway to escape. I don't expect it to go to blowout status with how they played at Wake but there is a major talent level difference right now between Wake and Louisville. Tipping point is probably Hokies in foul trouble.
Comments
Thanks for the summary. Should be a good one. Go Hokies!
HOKIES!!!
Highlander in the house. Doubt I'll be able to post any during the game, but I'll try.
Oh yay. ESPN app time.
J'Rob with 3 turnovers already.
Ahmad Hill???? How hard is it
KBJ having a great start!
Well we have good energy and Blackshear off to a good start. Need to eliminate some turnovers and make some jump shots
So I was just tortured for the past 20 minutes listening to Bill Walton call the Az-Or game. How is he on the air? He is an assclown to the nth degree.
Been to a handful of games here before. Always forget how fucking awesome it is. I'd put it up against any pro arena.
I'd love to know how Louisville has been getting all this money for so long.
I know the city ponied up a lotttt of cash for the Yum. They're adding their own version of the SEZ to the Papa John's, how or more importantly why they would do that is beyond me. They sellout either the FSU or Clemson game every year, other than that they bring weakass crowds for football. Stupid move in my opinion. They could add those seats to the baseball stadium and I'd be all for it. Not football. So, in short, they have a shit ton of big time corporate dollars.
It's almost like they used to have a Coach 2 who swang a pretty big one at Adidas
My wife just flipped you off.
She's a UL alum...so I'm extremely conflicted at this game.
I'm pretty sure Papa John is still their biggest donor, and bought them more the football stadium, but the city is really behind U of L sports as a tourist attraction.
Well that turned quickly.
Sometimes we look like a high school team.
Ouch.
A second ago, this game seemed in hand. That turnover was killer.
Louisville has been loading up with fouls, though.
This isn't meant to be a #hottake but I don't think we're in any danger of Alexander-Walker leaving early
Agree he's really made some freshman plays today. He's been a bit out of control today.
That offensive foul was terrible and the travel when he hesitated on the pass was bad as well.
Blackshear playing like a man possessed!
med needs to pass the ball with some zip on it!
Anyone notice they gave us 1 too many points? It was 24-25 before the last commercial. We come back and hit a 2 pointer and they gave us 3 points. To 27-25.
Unless the ESPN graphic was just wrong when it said 24-25 earlier? I rewinded it. I'm pretty sure we were accidentally given 1 extra point.
I saw that as well
Yet another game where our opponent shoots well above their average from deep. Nothing new.
So many lazy passes by upperclassmen my god
How many turnovers KJ gonna have today damn
For halftime, what channel is that FSU game on?
Down four shooting 27% from outside. Seven point free throw differential keeping us in the game
Well... this has been a game of things we already knew. We suck at defending the 3 and play very sloppy with stupid turnovers at inopportune times. KBJ is saving our asses because the rest of the team has played terrible. We're lucky as hell to only be down 4 at half
Its only because Louisville has been just as sloppy with the ball. Cant recall a half of basketball in the ACC where both teams had more than 10 turnovers each (Tech at 12, Louisville 11)
12 turnovers is too high. need to go to the Fuente school of ball security. and start doing what Buzz has taught concerning valuing each possession
Nickeil is playing like he's the best one on the court. had Med wide open in the corner for 3.
We need to play unselfish
That last foul on Jrob should've been an offensive foul on Adel. He gave Jrob a forearm to the chest that pushed him back a step and a half. It almost would have been better if Jrob had done a little flop there.
looks like he told roger ayers about it too
It'd be nice if we could stop turning the ball over and they stopped hitting every three they take. Jeez.
This game is just a rinse & repeat of our previous losses this season. Cold shooting and lazy perimeter defense lead to runs by the other team. Add in that we've been very careless with the ball and that's a recipe for disaster in a road ACC game. So frustrating to watch
We've given up a season-high total from deep for Louisville. And turned the ball over 17 times. And we're only down by 3. I'll take it.
I hate to make *that* comment but why it feel like we give up season high 3 pointers to so many teams this year
With both Devin Wilson and JRob handling the ball, you have to expect a turnover.
Jrob has got to stop getting airborne with no idea where he is going with the ball.
Thank god, Crazy Buzz is officially back. He just whacked JRob about 3 times with an empty water bottle
Please dont give KJ the ball on the 3 pt line and expect him to put the ball on the floor.
He is so close to walking almost everytime.
Yeah, the Louisville fans are right about that one. I'll take all the breaks we can get though
I think there was a grab by 14 that contributed. That was the call.
Team has fought back. KJ is playing very well tonight. He has avoided foul trouble in a game where he could have easily picked them up. I was particularly impressed when a L'ville player broke his man down, drove the lane and KJ stepped out of the way to give him the bucket. In past games, he would have gotten there late, picked up the foul and the bucket would have probably gone in.
Yeah, he's already got a double double. No bad fouls so far
How was that not an offensive foul on Mamouhd? He led with his elbow!
Officials taking over now...
Hard for me to complain about the refs when the other team still has more total fouls
That should always be the case with our style of play. However, I was speaking more to the way they have been calling the last couple of possessions.
The refs are not great. Tech's gotten maybe a couple more calls, but very inconsistent overall.
Probably the sloppiest game I can remember watching this season. This team is so frustrating sometimes
How can you not call this game sloppy, there have been 35 turnovers
We cant trade baskets..Cmon D
I always think football officials are really inconsistent...and then basketball rolls around and I remember how much worse it is.
Also why does it seem like every team we play shoots lights out from 3??
Because they do.
Because we don't close out the 3 pt shooters consistently and the get some confidence early in the game. It just builds from there.
pretty ridiculous that we had two fouls in the first half and now 13 in the second, that and letting Louisville shoot better than 50 percent from outside are the difference
It seemed like the fouls were really one sided and the refs interpreted travel vary conservative for us and very liberal for them.
Allowing 56% from 3 point range and committing 19 turnovers won't win you any games
Jimmy D. said earlier that VT was in Launardi's "last four out" in his current projections. It doesn't seem that long ago that everyone, including myself, was really high on this team.
I doubt we make the NCAA Tourney this year.
If we can pick up a couple of road wins and protect the Cassell, we have a decent shot.
My only hopes are for a 50/50 conference record and somehow a deep ACC Tourney run.
which is completely within reason
If this loss was at home it would hurt more. We need to pull two or three upsets and we can still make the tournament, it's not all doom and gloom you guys.
Thank you. Wasn't the stat they ran that Louisville has only lost 8 of their last 47 ACC Home games? It's not like this one was a gimme
Yeah, Plenty of opportunity left but we need to figure out how to close.
Gonna real real hard to make the tourney this year. ACC is deep and we seem to basically have stopped hitting three balls.
Two pitfalls I see about this team, when we shoot a low percentage from 3 we're almost guaranteed to lose a game, and secondly we don't defend against the 3 well. That Kentucky game made it apparent that we don't guard well above the arc.
I just don't see a tourney team. We aren't nearly as consistent of a 3 pointing shooting team as we need to be to win games like this. I was so hyped about this team this year, that's what hurts the most. Ugh.
it' not so much not hitting the three. IT'S THE DAD GONE 19 TURNOVERS!!!!!!!!! makes me want to vomit.
for every player that had a turnover, they had fewer assist. except for Chris Clarke. he had 4 turnovers and 5 assist. as a team the Hokies had 11 assist and 19 turnovers. reverse those numbers... VT wins the game.
So has defending the three become the basketball version of defending running QBs?
Sloppy on offense, lazy on defense. I think you could save that phrase for the write up and use it for basically every game this year. Someone please get film of the Boston Celtics and show this team the proper way to close out and contest shots. Standing flat footed and halfway putting your arm up AFTER the shot is not a contest.
Yeah, why can't we just play more like the second best team in the NBA?
The fact that they're an NBA team doesn't matter. The principle of defending the shot is the exact same. Stevens was a college coach and his teams, regardless of whether its Butler or Boston, are fundamentally sound to the point of perfection. I watch a ton of NBA basketball so they were the first team that popped into my mind when thinking about how to defend a 3 point shot. UVA is great too, but what do you want me to do, tell people to watch UVA games? No way.
But if it's that simple, why doesn't everyone in the NCAA do it? We're nowhere near the worst in the NCAA in Opponent 3pt%
How do you beat a bigger team that is scoring 56% from the 3? They were also 52 from the floor. The majority of non - contested shots i saw were well behind the 3 point line. I think Louisville just had a great day against our not so great, but not mediocre defense.
Fuck it !