NC State at Virginia Basketball Preview
By Josh Burton
Coming off a 63-58 victory over American and an extended break for Christmas, the University of Virginia Men’s Basketball team (7-5, 0-1 in ACC play) will now begin conference play in full as they host NC State on Tuesday. This one will air on ESPN2 and is scheduled for a noon tip-off on New Year’s Eve.
About NC State
The NC State Wolfpack are led by Kevin Keatts, who is in his 8th season. Keatts is 147-98 overall at NC State, including being 8-4 overall and 1-0 in ACC play this year. Most will remember State knocking off the Hoos in last year's ACC Semifinals on their run to both the conference championship and a Final Four appearance.
State had a lot to replace from last year's postseason success. Four of five starters have moved on. The contributions are more balanced this season, with five players averaging 9 points or better. They line up:
G - #12 Michael O’Connell (6’2” Covid Senior, averages 6.5 points and 4 assists per game)
G - #8 Jayden Taylor (6’4” Senior, averages 12.4 points per game)
G - #10 Marcus Hill (6’4” Senior, Bowling Green transfer, averages 12.6 points per game)
G - #3 Dontrez Styles (6’6” Senior, Georgetown transfer, averages 9.7 points per game)
F - #34 Ben Middlebrooks (6’10” Senior, averages 9.8 points per game)
Forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (6’10” Louisville transfer) also plays a key role off the bench, averaging 9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Stepping Up
In their last few contests, UVA found key contributions from some different players. Junior forward Elijah Saunders has been the main leader for the Hoos, having scored 15 or more points in 4 of their last 5 games. Senior guard Taine Murray has also come on strong, scoring 13 and 14 points in the last two games, respectively.
Against NC State, look for both of these players to continue to try and build upon recent success. Saunders should have an advantage inside to start out where he has shown capable of scoring well against similar sized competition all year. Taine should also be a key piece as his experience will be needed for both the true beginning of conference play and going up against a very experienced Wolfpack team.
Freshman Finding Footing
Virginia coach Ron Sanchez has change was made to the lineup, as first-year forward Jacob Cofie was inserted into the starting lineup against Memphis and stayed there for the American game. While Cofie has shown flashes, he also struggled with fouls against a very competitive and physical Memphis frontcourt. NC State center Ben Middlebrooks is another physical player that Cofie will have to deal with, so keeping fouls to a minimum will be crucial for him.
Coming off the extended break and staring directly at conference play is in some ways refreshing this season. There’s still a lot to play for and I’m sure adjustments will be made to stay competitive all winter. What adjustments do you think the staff and players will make? Be sure to join the Locker Room Access pregame show with your takes, airing live at 11:30 Tuesday morning!
(Featured Image Credit: Jamie Holt/UVA Athletics)