Virginia Eliminates Virginia Tech In A Top 10 Showdown, 81-59

After Duke fell to Syracuse the night before, it was a chance for one team from the state of Virginia to rise up and claim their spot at the top of the conference. The teams combine for a record of 29-1 and is the first time that both teams face each other, ranked in the Top 10. With the combination of the hatred between the two teams as well as a spot at the top,

Virginia is coming off of 3 impressive wins to begin ACC play. It began with a 13 point win over then #9 Florida State. Then it continued into the next week as they picked up a 27 point win on the road against Boston College on Wednesday. Then finished things up on Saturday with a 63-43 win over the Clemson Tigers.

The Hookies haven’t been quite as dominant as their counterparts, but have done well through their first 3 games, taking all 3. Virginia Tech did struggle in their previous matchup against Georgia Tech, where they only put up 52 points. GT has arguably best defense in the conference, but this is also the same team that gave up 76 to St. John’s But picked up double digit victories over Notre Dame and Boston College.

First Half:

G Ty Jerome started the game out red hot, nailing 4 3 pointers and leading all scores through one half for the Cavaliers. Missed shots and foul troubles was the downfall for the Hookies in the first half with Kerry Blackshear Jr. having 2 early fouls, as well as Nickell Walker Alexander Virginia Tech started out the game 1-7 from the field and Ty Jerome and leading scorer on the season, DeAndre Hunter were able to find some voids in the defense and were able to take advantage of them. It was the perfect storm for the Cavaliers in the first half with terrific shooting and a poor performance from VT.

Second Half:

Nickell Walker-Alexander and Ahmad Hill would create a spark out of the gates in the 2nd half for Virginia Tech as they would score 15 of VT’s first 17 points out of the break. VT F Kerry Blackshear would start to get into foul trouble as he was sitting on 4 with 12 minutes left in the contest. Both teams would trade buckets back and forth for most of the 2nd half. But in the end, it was a case of Virginia Tech keeping up, but not ever threatening as their were 4 Cavaliers in double figures. UVA assisted on 16 of their 29 buckets and had more offensive rebounds. Both of those are key stats in wins and both that Virginia was able to do. Virginia only had one loss a year ago at home and it was against this same team. Virginia remembered what happened and made sure history would not repeat itself.

Key stat for Virginia:

Virginia was on fire from beyond the arc with a fantastic 11-17 (64%). With the combination of how good they were shooting and the stifling defense they were putting up, this was by far Virginia’s most impressive performance of the year. But even Cavaliers fans know, I highly doubt this is a performance that they can replicate often, especially against the next opponent they’ll be facing.

Key stat for Virginia Tech:

You can point to the obvious and say 40% from the field and 33% from 3 point range. Although those numbers aren’t too bad, VT could not stop UVA as Virginia was able to outrebound VT by double figures. Even with having more opportunities from the free throw line and more makes, it was a game highlighted by UVA’s outstanding shooting.

Player of the Game:

De’Andre Hunter was the main star in this contest as he and G Ty Jermone were doing just about everything. Hunter finished with 8-12 shooting from the field, 21 Points, and 5 rebounds in the contest. Hunter was able to drive and keep Virginia Tech off balance all night long. While it was Jerome making the threes, it was Hunter that was the thrasher and sliced up the defense on the inside. Jermone is a very deserving candidate as well as he finished 4-7 from 3 with 14 points and 12 assists and was really the team captain and the floor general in this contest.

Up Next:

Virginia:

Virginia should celebrate this win, but they know they’ve got another huge test on Saturday. After a rare loss at home to Syracuse, Duke is looking to bounce back and Virginia is looking to hand Duke back to back losses for the first time in a decade. A key in this contest is how UVA responds to the hostile environment. Also, how to stop Zion Williamson as he’s coming off his best game of his young college career with 35 points on over 50% shooting from the field. The entire nation will be watching and will be a Top 5 Matchup.

Virginia Tech:

After the backbreaking loss, Virginia Tech will be back at home on Saturday as they face The Wake Forest Demon Deacons at 8 PM on ESPN2.

Image Credit: http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2019/01/no-4-mens-basketball-vs-no-9-virginia-tech-a-breakdown