UVa Opponent Preview: Maine
You want to see points? Don’t watch Wednesday afternoon’s Maine/UVa game. In what might be one of the lowest possession games of the country in college hoops, Maine looks to solve a Virginia defense that none of their six opponents have yet to do so far this season. The Black Bears broke a three-game losing streak by beating Division III Maine Maritime Academy on Sunday and scored a season-high 90 points. A better indicator of where Maine’s offense currently is was their performance in their three games prior, all losses – where the most points they scored were 62 against Portland. The Black Bears average just 67 point per game and play one of the slowest tempos of any team in college basketball. Maine has shot the ball decently this season and boasts three players averaging double figures led by forward Andrew Fleming (20.4). The Black Bears where be undersized in the matchup as they do not have a player on their roster taller than 6-foot-9. Rebounding could be key as Virginia has proven to be one of the best rebounding teams in the nation while Maine is tied for 234thnationally.
Maine will win if: They can become the only Virginia opponent this season to maintain good shooting from start to finish. The Black Bears will have to hit shots in the game’s final 10 minutes and hope the Cavaliers continue to struggle shooting from the outside.
Virginia will win if: They establish their inside game early and often against an undersized Maine squad. Drawing more defenders inside will leave open looks that the Cavaliers will have to learn to make as they progress this season.
Score prediction: UVa 67, Maine 40
