Virginia vs Louisville Basketball Preview
Coming off a thrilling 59-53 OT victory over NC State on Wednesday night, the University of Virginia Men’s Basketball team is now 14-5 (5-3 in ACC play) and heads to Louisville for a Saturday matinee. This contest is scheduled for a noon tip and will air on the CW Network.
About Louisville
The University of Louisville Cardinals are coached by Kenny Payne, in his second season. The Cardinals have been a dismal 10-41 under Payne, going 6-13 so far this season. The two teams met in JPJ earlier this month, with the Cavaliers picking up a 77-53 victory.
The Cardinals are a very young team that doesn’t play with a lot of depth. They have eight players who average double digit minutes, however Senior forward JJ Traynor has not played since their ACC opener on December 3rd. They line up as follows:
G - Skyy Clark (6’3” Sophomore, transfer from Illinois) Averages 13.6 points and 3.1 assists per game
G - Mike James (6’5” Sophomore) Averages a team-high 14 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, hitting 40% from three-point range
G - Tre White (6’7” Sophomore) Averages 12.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game
G - Ty-Laur Johnson (6’0” Freshman) Averages 7.9 points and 3.3 assists per game
F - Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (6’10” Junior) Averages 11.1 points and a team high 8.5 rebounds per game
Streaking on the Road?
A common refrain for the season had been the Wahoos inability to compete on the road. They had lost their first four road contests this season, each by double digits. That all changed last weekend as they went into Atlanta and came out with a 75-66 victory over Georgia Tech. This was their first win on the road and a major confidence booster. This Saturday’s game allows them the opportunity to begin a road winning streak and continue to build on their current momentum.
Taine Time
Third-year Taine Murray played an excellent game against NC State on Wednesday night, one of his best of the season. Taine scored 11 points as he knocked down both clutch shots and free throws down the stretch for Virginia to hold on for the victory. He also played his most minutes in a game since before Thanksgiving. One of Taine’s best performances of the year was the first matchup against Louisville, where he scored a season-high 12 points off the bench for the Hoos. Look for Taine to try and build on his recent success and continue to fight for extended minutes within the Cavalier’s rotation.
Next Up
After Saturday’s game, the Cavaliers will once again be back at JPJ on Wednesday night (1/31) as they host Notre Dame. Locker Room Access will have it all covered!
(Featured Image Credit: Emily Faith Morgan/UVA Athletics)