Virginia vs NC State Basketball Preview
By Josh Burton
The University of Virginia Men’s Basketball team got back into the win column on Wednesday night with a 77-53 victory over Louisville. Now sitting at 11-3 overall and 2-1 in the ACC, they'll make the trip to Raleigh to take on NC State on Saturday (1/6). This game is scheduled for a 2 PM EST tip and will air on the ACC Network.
About NC State
The NC State Wolfpack are led by Kevin Keatts, in his 7th season. Keatts is 123-82 overall at NC State, 10-3 this season with a perfect 2-0 record in ACC play. Before NC State, Keatts spent three seasons at UNC Wilmington, where he led them to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, That included a first round game against Virginia in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, which UVA won 76-71.
State has 10 players who average double digit minutes, led by a core of four players who all average over 27 minutes a game. Eight of the ten players are upperclassmen. They like to play a four guard set that generates a lot of ball pressure. In the last five games they have lined up as follows:
PG - DJ Horne (6’1” 5th-Year Senior) Averages a team-high 14.5 points, hitting 44% from 3 point range
G - Casey Morsell (6’3” Senior, UVA Transfer) Averages 11.8 points per game
G - Jayden Taylor (6’4” Junior) Averages 12.9 points per game
G - Dennis Parker Jr. (6’6” Freshman) Averages 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game
F - DJ Burns Jr. (6’9” Senior) Averages 13.2, 4.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game
Handling the Pressure
Keatts' teams are known for playing a pressure style defense with very active hands trying to force turnovers. They have proven to be a tough matchup for the Wahoos over the years and I don’t expect this time to be any different. To be able to come out with a highly coveted road win, the Cavaliers will need to be sound with the ball.
Due to the pressure, I would expect to see heavy amounts of both Reece Beekman and Andrew Rohde in this one. They have proven to be UVA’s best with the ball in their hands so far and the Cavaliers will need very good games from each. Last time out against Louisville, the Hoos found success using a “big” lineup in which Ryan Dunn slid down to the three-spot while Jake Groves played next to Blake Buchanan in the frontcourt. Although I believe this lineup could show promise as the season goes on, Saturday probably won’t be a matchup where it’s super effective.
Guarding Burns
NC State Forward DJ Burns is one of the most intriguing matchups in college basketball. At 6’9” and 275 lbs, he is an absolute force in the paint. He is also a very good passing big man, averaging just under three assists per game. Bigs who can not only score but also distribute have been a problem for the Wahoos this season, so they will have their hands full Saturday trying to check him.
The Cavaliers typically like to double the post when possible. Because of Burns passing ability, that will be more difficult. This could be a matchup in which the Hoos have to play straight up. If Ryan Dunn gets matched onto him, he could also front Burns to deny him the ball as Dunn did against McLeod from Syracuse. They may have to otherwise rely on playing Burns straight up to start, with maybe some late help from the ultra-athletic Dunn to contest shots.
Isaac on the Attack
Second-year Isaac Mckneely had been in a bit of rut over the last couple weeks. On Wednesday night, he may have broken that slump. After hitting a tightly contested jumper just before the halftime buzzer, he came out looking like the Isaac of early December again. Being aggressive from both outside the arc and in the midrange, Isaac scored 18 points in the contest.
For the Hoos to have the success they are looking for this season, I don’t think it’s any secret that Isaac will have to be a major scoring threat. Look for him to try and keep the momentum rolling by continuing to be aggressive.
Blake is Back
After coming out on fire early in the season against Florida, there was a raised expectation for what first-year Blake Buchanan would provide this season. But as with most freshmen, it has been up and down so far. After earning four consecutive starts following the Florida game, Blake went back to coming off the bench where he has been pretty inconsistent.
Coming off the bench again on Wednesday, there was a noticeable difference in his play. Although he didn’t finish some plays, he was aggressive in attacking the basket and battling for rebounds. This type of physicality has been desperately missing for the Wahoos this season. Look for Blake to continue to build on this style of play as he grows more comfortable in his role.
Taine Time
Third-year guard Taine Murray deserves his flowers after Wednesday night's contest. Knocking down multiple three-pointers while also attacking the basket, Taine was a handful for Louisville in what was his most impressive showing to date. I give Taine a lot of credit for always being ready to step up to the challenge when his number is called, and the Cavaliers may continue to need him to do so.
In what will be a big game for the Cavaliers on Saturday and a potentially a very important one in the ACC standings, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Coach Bennett lean on the veteran Murray for some good minutes again.
Next Up
Following Saturday’s game, the Hoos will get their bye as they won’t play again until heading to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest next Saturday (1/13). Keep up with all the action on Locker Room Access!
(Featured Image Credit: Getty)