Top-Five Showdown in Charlottesville as (2) Duke Visits (3) UVA
Riley Platt
Posted On February 8
There will be major a case of deja vu this Saturday as ACC powerhouses Virginia and Duke once again square off in a primetime showdown. ESPN’s College Gameday will also make it’s second appearance in 2019 for this duel. All eyes will surely be on JPJ Arena Saturday evening as this promises to be one of 2019’s regular-season marquee matchups.
Game Information
Who: No. 2 Duke @ No. 3 Virginia (-2.5)
When: Saturday, February 9 at 6:00 P.M. E.T.
Where: John Paul Jones Arena- Charlottesville, VA
Watch: ESPN
DUKE: The Blue Devils’ biggest advantage going into this matchup is by far having point guard Tre Jones on the floor, who was injured in Duke’s 72-70 win over the Cavaliers in January. However, this game will take place on the road in one of the nation’s most hostile environments. Jones is the key to the efficiency of Duke’s offense, which was clearly seen during his absence. Along with high-IQ offensive strategies being conducted by Jones, Zion Williamson may just have to have the game of his life. The once-in-a-generation star will need to do a superb job of getting rebounds and scoring in the paint, which is where this team is often most effective. The Blue Devils need to maximize their opportunities from beyond the arc and on the free-throw line if they want to have a legitimate chance of winning this game.
UVA: The scoring of Virginia guards Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome will be vital to a potential Hoo’s win on Saturday night. The Devils were able to defeat this talented squad in their last meeting largely due to their shutting down of Virginia’s three-point shooting, as they were held to only three makes from deep. De’Andre Hunter was UVA’s leading scorer in last month’s battle, and will also need to be effective to produce a win on their home floor. Virginia wears teams down: it’s what they’re so good at doing. If they can limit the productivity of Duke’s bigs down low, they can have a serious shot at picking up a huge win in primetime.
The Verdict:
Duke def. Virginia 79-75
I think that this team Duke is just too talented to lose a game like this that they’ve had multiple days to prepare for. Also, Duke has already palyed and beaten this UVA team without their most important player. With Tre Jones facilitating, I can’t see Duke losing this battle. It will a tough, exciting game, but look for Duke to edge Virginia in a close one.
Cover image via:
CBS Sports
