Well Hoo fans, Virginia’s hoops game with Wake is still on for tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. at the John Paul Jones Arena. ACC protocol states that if both teams are in town, and at least two officials are also in town, the game gets played. Obviously, if we get three feet of snow things certainly might change, but please check back to C-Ville for weather updates as they become available.
Virginia lost to Wake 57-69 in Winston-Salem earlier this season, and the Demon Deacons snapped the then hotter than Hell Hoos eight-game winning-streak. Wake is 15-5, and 5-3 in ACC play and is looking to win their fifth-straight over the Hoos. Wake is led by the crafty Ishmal Smith who scored 21 against the Hoos last month, and Al-Farouq Aminu who killed Virginia last time out with a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds). Wake has been a little all over the place this season with losses to William and Mary (remember R.J Archer Hoo fans?), and getting blown out at Georgia Tech. They also did what everyone is doing these days in the conference and beat UNC badly, as well as won at #17 Gonzaga.
If the Hoos want to keep adding to their NCAA Tournament chances this game is really a must win especially considering their next two games are on the road against teams that will most certainly be favored (MD and VT). Virginia played stifling defense in their last outing against NC State, and must figure out a way to continue to grow as a unit. I think Virginia gets this one for the resume 76-73. Go Hoos!
