Virginia Is Coming To Yum and It’s Going To Be A Dogfight

We’re finally getting into the part of our schedule that will really prove where we belong. Starting with this afternoon’s game against the 11th-ranked Virginia, we start to see plenty of ranked opponents in conference play. Don’t panic now, this is what we’re here for.

Virginia comes in with a record of 16-4 and with a conference record of 5-3. The Cavaliers have certainly had an interesting season when it comes to wins and losses. They have definitely faced ranked opponents and walked away with a win; for example, their wins over West Virginia, Villanova, and Miami. Virginia is actually 3-0 against ranked teams this season while Louisville is only 1-2. However, the Cavaliers do have some interesting losses this season. In conference play, Virginia lost to Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and Florida State; three teams that Louisville has beaten in recent weeks. This game is certainly going to be a dogfight.

The Cardinals are 14-0 at home this season and looking to extend that streak this afternoon. Despite the fact that North Carolina comes in this Monday, we cannot sleep on the Virginia Cavaliers. This team can and has put away similarly ranked teams to us and we cannot over look them. All the stops are being pulled out for this one today, including it being a white-out game in the Yum! Center.

Let’s look at some situations I’d love to see in this one:

Damien Lee and Trey Lewis both had a great game this past Wednesday and I’d love for that to transition into this game as well. Sadly, we’ve seen some quiet games from them after they went off on a team the game before. Let’s hope the momentum sticks.

Chinanu Onauku has to stay out of foul trouble. Sadly, his double-double streak ended this past Wednesday against Virginia Tech because he had to sit the bench for quite a few minutes due to his foul trouble. I’m hoping he can pick up another double-double and start a new streak today.

Today’s the day I want to see Ray Spalding break out of his shell. I think this is a team that he has a chance to play well against and I’d love for this to be his day.

Be sure to catch the game at 1:00 pm EST on CBS and cheer on the Cardinals. We won’t be having a Live Game Thread today but we will have recap up shortly after the game.

What are your predictions for today? Without Mathiang to shoot the final shot, who do we dish the ball to in a late-game situation? Let us know in the comment section or hit us up on your favorite social media!

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