Virginia (14-11, 5-7) needs a win. Badly. Maybe a blood transfusion, too. And an injection of quality defense might make things competitive again. Losers of five straight in conference play, the Hoos have not won a game since beating NC State 20 days ago.
Cavs travel to Miami (17-9, 3-9) for a huge contest tonight at 7 p.m at the conference’s least-inspiring venue: Miami’s BankUnited Center (Hoos are 0-3 there). After Virginia lost at Clemson they flew directly to Miami to get ready for this mega-important ACC game. Miami is also desperate for a win if they care to make it to the post season.
Virginia’s Sylven Landesberg has shot only 36% from the field on the last six games. And as Sylven goes, the Hoos losing streak goes. In the last five games Virginia has only scored 56.4 points per game, including 49 the last time out. The Wahoos have lost their last 11 games (last win was in 2001) in the state of Florida. Scary…
Miami was ranked #23 the last time these two teams met in Charlottesville and their season has totally fallen apart as well. They have lost 8 of their last 10, and Miami’s coach Frank Haith is clearly on the coaching hot-seat! Look for the Hurricane’s to attempt to hammer it inside early and often to 6-8 big-man James Collins (12 PPG). If that doesn’t work they will start hoisting 3’s from both Durand Scott and James Dews. Miami has 13 of their last 15 at home and are 11-2 in Miami this season. The Hurricanes average around eight 3-pointers a game, and can be streaky from beyond the arc!
I think Virginia gets it done and wins this game 67-64. Let’s get a new steak started and get ready to make some noise in the ACC Tournament! Go Hoos!
