Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3, 0-0) vs. Virginia Cavaliers (4-3, 0-0)
Time: 6 p.m. EST
Date: Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010
Place: Cassell Coliseum (9,847), Blacksburg, Va.
TV: Fox Sports Net
Radio: VT ISP, XM 191, Sirius 212 (Best of XM)
Spread: Virginia Tech -8
Game Info: Stats, VT Notes (PDF), UVa Notes (PDF)
The Setup: Virginia Tech will attempt to snap a two-game losing streak in its ACC opener. The Wahoos are playing their sixth consecutive game away from home after trips to Stanford, three games at the Maui Invitational and Minnesota. They are 2-3 on the current road with wins over Oklahoma and Minnesota. Virginia Tech has won five of the last six meetings against UVa and the last four meetings in Blacksburg. All students will be admitted free to tonight's game due to inclement weather in the Blacksburg area. So get your butts to the game.
Statistically Speaking (According to Ken Pomeroy): The Hokies come into the game ranked No. 47 according to the Pomeroy Ratings, No. 90 in offensive efficiency and No. 18 in defensive efficiency. Tech is in the middle of the pack in terms of tempo at No. 184 while the Hoos statistically play one of the slower games in the country at No. 305. UVa ranks No. 80 in the Pomeroy Ratings, No. 49 in offensive efficiency and No. 135 in defensive efficiency.
Scouting UVa: As Brendan mentioned in his preview, watch for fatigue on the part of the Wahoos. They've been criss-crossing the country the last couple of weeks and haven't played a home game since Nov. 15. Senior forward Mike Scott leads the Hoos in both scoring and rebounding at 16.6 ppg and 9.7 rpg. Point guard Jontel Harris averages 4.5 assists per game. UVa will without two of its best outside shooters. Will Sherrill fractured his fibula against Minnesota and Sammy Zeglinski is still working his way back after having his knee scoped in the offseason.
What to Watch: The key for the Hokies will be Jeff Allen and Victor Davila on Scott. If they can limit his impact on the game, I think they should win easily. Really, I'm looking for Malcolm Delaney to start to stop his slump and start making jump shots and being effective when he's driving to the lane.
Final Score: Virginia Tech 59, Virginia 50.
UVa Blogs: Streaking the Lawn, From Old Virginia, Dear Old UVa.
Game Thread: Talk about the game in the comments section. Unfortunately, I'll have to watch this one on DVR.