Maryland vs. UVA Hoops Preview
Maryland Terrapins (15-10, 5-6 ACC)
@
#22 Virginia Cavaliers (19-6, 6-5 ACC)
Saturday February 18th
John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA
Leading scorer: MD- Terrell Stoglin 21.7 ppg/ UVA- Mike Scott 16.9 ppg
Last game: MD- def. Boston College 81-65/ UVA- lost to Clemson 60-48
Outlook:
Thursday night during the Terps 7-for-9 start from 3-point range, Tim Brando, who was calling the game, said “I haven’t seen the Terps shoot this well all season.” That may be the understatement of the year as I haven’t seen them shoot that well in about two years. Maryland couldn’t seem to miss against Boston College and showed that if they shoot like that they are a tough team to beat; however, few Terps fans expect the same against the Cavaliers on Saturday. Despite losing two games in a row, the Cavaliers are still a staunch defensive team and their size should present problems for the Terps’ shooters. Even though they beat maybe the worst team in the conference, there is something to be said about coming into this game off a win. That being said, the Terps should have confidence heading into Charlottesville. Will the hot shooting continue? If it does, the Terps will be tough to bear.
I was a guest on a Charlottesville radio station two years ago to break down the Maryland/UVA game and I said that within three years Tony Bennett will have the Cavaliers contending for an ACC title. For the first nine ACC games I looked to be prophetic, however a two-game losing streak has the Cavs needing wins to strengthen their tournament resume. Watching a UVA play offense is like watching paint dry and that has cost them in all of their losses this season. Scoring less than 50 points doesn’t win you many games and I believe they will need to score in the 60s to have a chance in this game.
Prediction:
Mike Scott is versatile enough on the offense to single-handedly lead Virginia to a win and the Terps will likely focus their defensive game plan towards stopping him. I do not put a ton of stock in the hot shooting of the Terps’ last game as most of it was due to an inferior opponent. I believe they will struggle to score points against a Tony Bennett defense. There is no reason to expect a game in the high 60s for each team, but the first team to get there will win the game. UVA’s ineptitude on offense keeps their opponents in the game and it gives the Terps a great shot at winning. Call me crazy, but I think the Terps go in to Charlottesville and hand the Wahoos their third straight loss.
Terps 61, UVA 58.
