No.3 Virginia(23-2)(11-2 Conf.) has been playing very good here as of late coming off wins over North Carolina and in state rival Virginia Tech. While No.18 Louisville(18-9)(9-5 Conf.) has been struggling, losing three out of their last four games and their latest loss coming at the hands of Syracuse.
How Virginia Can Win:
In all of Louisville’s last four losses the Cardinals have had more turnovers than their opponents in all of those games. This should be something UVA can take advantage of. The whole country knows that the Cavaliers specialize in defense and the stats prove that. UVA allows the least amount of points in the nation allowing only 54 points a game.
How Louisville Can Win:
The Cardinals average around 76 points a game which is a pretty good number, but have struggled on offense here as of late. The Cards have scored under 50 points in their last two games. They simply can not do that against UVA. As it’s a simple fact if your gonna beat UVA your gonna have to find ways to score the basketball against the vaunted Pac Line defense.
Players to Watch:
For the Cavaliers to win they are going to need their continued production of De’Andre Hunter. Hunter has been averaging 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and 53% from the field.
The Cardinals are going to need continued stellar play out of Jordan Nwora. Nwora has been averaging 17 points, seven rebounds, and one assist while shooting 45% from the field.
Score Prediction:
The way Louisville has been playing as of late, I don’t trust them to beat the best defensive team in the country. UVA will go on the road and destroy a reeling Cardinal’s team. Cavaliers: 75 Cardinals: 60
Image via: USA Today
