North Carolina (10-3) at Virginia (10-3), 8 p.m. ESPNU
Virginia battles North Carolina tonight at John Paul Jones Arena in the ACC opener for both teams. The Cavs lost 70-52 last year at UNC but hung tough with the Tar Heels in Charlottesville, falling 54-51 in a controversial game in which forward Mike Scott picked up several phantom fouls and could never get going all game.
Both teams come in with 10-3 records with some good showings and some not as good showings. As UVa fans know, Virginia's losses this year have not been pretty, to George Mason, Delaware, and Old Dominion. The Cavs have looked good, though, in wins over Wisconsin (on the road) and Tennessee and Wofford at home. North Carolina picked up its best win of the season last time out Dec. 29 against UNLV, a team then ranked No. 20, 79-73. All three of UNC's losses have been by double digits: 82-71 to Butler (the Heels were down by 27 at one point), 83-59 to then-No. 1 Indiana, and 85-67 to Texas, a team that is only 8-6.
North Carolina is getting back Reggie Bullock in the lineup. He sat out the UNLV game with a concussion. Bullock, a junior forward, is second on the team in scoring, averaging 13.1 points per game and is first on the team in 3-point percentage (47.5 percent). Sophomore forward James Michael McAdoo leads the team in scoring and rebounding at 14.8 points and 8.3 boards per game. P.J. Hairston (12.4) is third on the team and Dexter Strickland, Leslie McDonald, Brice Johnson, and Marcus Paige all average over seven points per game.
Once again, UNC has great balance and can put up lots of points -- the Heels average 83.6 points per game, first in the ACC and second in the nation. They also rebound well (third in the nation) and move the ball well (first in the nation in assists). Virginia is going to have to try to keep UNC off the glass. Akil Mitchell and Darion Atkins must have solid games. Atkins had a shin problem the last couple games but he should be good to go. Getting another terrific game out of freshman Mike Tobey could certainly help. The forward-center had 19 points and six rebounds last Sunday against Wofford.
Virginia is most likely getting the services back of senior point guard Jontel Evans. It would be great if UVa could get at least 20 good minutes out of Evans, who has been recovering from foot surgery and missed all but four games this season. Despite his limited ability because of the injury, some of Virginia's best play came with him in games this season. He could be a real pick-me-up for the team, an inspiration, and definitely a tactical help on the defensive end.
The Cavaliers have a good enough team to beat the Tar Heels. Virginia has shown flashes of great potential this year and flashes of terrible play this year, typical of a team with one senior, and that is Evans, who hasn't played much. It is going to be a matter of which team shows up and if the players can overcome any perceived slights from the officials. It will obviously take a great effort from the 'Hoos to topple the Heels, but they can do it if everyone is hitting on all cylinders.
Comments
Post a Comment