No.15 Louisville Travels to Blacksburg to Take on No.12 Virginia Tech in a Top 15 ACC Matchup
Will Cash
Posted On February 3
No.12 Virginia Tech(18-3)(7-2) has been on a roll as of late, winning three straight games and is just coming off an ugly 47-24 victory over No.23 NC State. While No.15 Louisville(16-6)(7-2) is coming off a brutal 10 point loss to No.9 North Carolina where they were down the whole game and looks to bounce back on the road in Blacksburg.
How Virginia Tech Can Win:
If Virginia Tech wants to slow down a potent Louisville offense who averages 79 points a game they must play defense the way they have been the last two games. Tech has allowed under 60 points twice in the last two game and only allowed 24 points against a ranked NC State team. The Hokies are also ranked 6th in the nation in points allowed, only allowing 60 points a game so far this season. It’s safe to say if Virginia Tech wants to win they have to do it on the defensive end.
How Louisville Can Win:
The Cardinals are going to have to take advantage of a wounded Hokie offense without starting point guard Justin Robison. It was clear that the Hokies struggled without Robinson only scoring 47 points against NC State. The thing the Cardinals will have to do is find ways to put the ball in the basket. The Hokies have only allowed 60 points a game and have held teams under 56 points twice in the last two games.
Players to Watch:
The Hokies need Nickeil Alexander-Walker to step up in Justin Robinson’s absence. Alexander-Walker struggled against NC State only scoring 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Alexander- Walker has averaged 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals this season.
If Louisville want to go on the road and beat Virginia Tech they need Jordan Nwora to have a better game versus the Hokies. The sophomore forward struggled against UNC as he only had 11 points, seven rebounds, and two assists while shooting only 33% from the field.
Score Prediction:
Without Justin Robinson,this game will be hard for the Hokies to win. I think the Hokies will be able to pull it out. Mostly just because the Hokies are at home and the Cardinals will be reeling after a home loss to North Carolina. Tech will win in a very close game. Hokies: 70 Cardinals: 65
Note: Virginia Tech head coach Buzz Williams said that Justin Robinson has a toe injury and will be out indefinitely.
Image via: USA Today
