Virginia Tech Hokies (15-3, 2-2 ACC)

Thursday, January 26 7:00 p.m.

The Opponent: UVA is the surprise team of the ACC this year, sitting atop the standings at 3-1 in conference play. Under first-year coach Tony Bennett (not the singer), the Wahoos struggled early on. Losses to South Florida, Stanford, Penn State and Auburn had many people wondering if UVA had improved at all from last year, which resulted in the firing of Barack Obama stunt double Dave Leitao. However, the Cavs then went on an eight-game winning streak, before falling to Wake Forest last time out 69-57.

Virginia has taken advantage of playing at home this year, going 10-1. Their only loss was a three-point loss to Penn State back in late November. UVA wins by an average of 16 points per game at JPJ, but that stat is inflated by a 33-point win over Rider and a 31-point win over the New Jersey Institute of Technology. To be honest though, the Cavs have only played seven games where the final margin was within 10 points, and they're only 4-3 in those games. As for a positive for UVA, they've beaten a top 25 team in Georgia Tech and they crushed Miami by 18 points, so they're not to be taken lightly.

The 'Hoos are led by 2009 ACC Rookie of the Year Sylven Landesberg (6-6, 207 lbs). In his second year at UVA, Landesberg (pictured) is averaging 17.5 points per game, and has scored in double-digits in every single game this year. That's right, his season low is 10 points, which he did twice, against Rider and NJ Tech. His production has actually increased during ACC play, as he has averaged more than 20 points per game in the 'Hoos four ACC contests. In the two games against the Hokies last year, Landesberg averaged 19.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. Slowing down the sophomore phenom is a must for Tech.

While Landesberg has the outside locked down, junior Mike Scott (6-8, 239 lbs) controls the interior. Despite missing three games earlier in the year, Scott (pictured) is still averaging 12.7 points per game, while leading the team in rebounding with 7.2 boards per game. Scott is coming off his worst game of the season last time out against Wake Forest, scoring only six points and grabbing two rebounds. Scott has been pretty average against Tech his first two years, averaging 9.5 points and four rebounds per game.

Sophomore Sammy Zeglinski (6-0, 180 lbs) also averages in double figures for the 'Hoos with 10.1 points per game. Zeglinski made his name known to Hokie fans when he flattened by a Jeff Allen screen in Blacksburg last year. Zeglinski didn't particularly play well against the Hokies last year (side effect of the Allen screen perhaps), so UVA may have to get some production from Mustapha Farrakhan (6-4, 175 lbs), who scored 17 against the Hokies in Blacksburg last year.

My Thoughts: To be honest, I was starting to get really nervous about this game, that was until UVA laid that egg in Winston-Salem last weekend. I'm still worried that the Hokies will come out flat and get blown out (see last year's game in Charlottesville for example), but Tech has gotten off to fast starts in nearly every game, except for Florida State. UVA got behind early to Wake Forest last weekend, which caused them to play from behind and force Landesberg to take over. Prior to that, the Cavs only beat a weak UNC-Wilmington team by two points. If Tech can get a fast start and UVA starts out cold, things could go the Hokies way.
Despite their recent fast starts (see 15 points in first five minutes against BC Saturday), the Hokies have tired over the second half in all of their ACC games. Despite UVA's lacking attendance in football games, the John can be a little intimidating at times. Yes, I said UVA is slightly intimidating, but I emphasize slightly. It's still nowhere near the intimidation factor of Cassell Coliseum. If the Hokies come out cold, then it could be a long night for Tech fans.

Malcolm Delaney has been off as of late, and he won't be going full speed in practice until today. Tech needs Delaney to get going early and stay hot, unlike his performance against BC. I have a feeling that Delaney is ready for a breakout game, and UVA just seems like a perfect time to breakout of his mini-slump. In his "absence," Dorenzo Hudson and Terrell Bell have come into their own as role players for the Hokies. Both players have improved on both ends of the court and they will both need to continue their improved play if Tech wants to win on the road.

Losing this game wouldn't be the worst thing, despite the fact that it's UVA. Miami has not played well as of late, so a win in Coral Gables isn't out of the question. A split on this road trip would be a victory for Seth Greenberg's squad, but a sweep would be monumental going forward. There's something about Charlottesville that just doesn't work for the Hokies, as Tech is a pathetic 1-10 in their last 11 trips. Holding Landesberg to less than 15 points is essential if Tech wants to come out of Charlottesville on top.

Going on the road in the ACC and getting a win is tough (see Clemson losing to BC at a half-empty Conte Forum last night). I expect UVA to come out firing with their backs against the wall, knowing they need to protect their homecourt to stay on top of the ACC. I don't have a good feeling about this one, but I like being proved wrong time and time again by this team. Plus, who wouldn't want to hear "JUST LIKE FOOTBALL" chants ringing throughout the "hallowed halls" of the John?

Today's Hokie Hoops preview post comes from FFODC's new basketball consultant, Kevin Burke. Kevin is a sophomore communication major at Virginia Tech, and his ultimate goal is to become a sports writer or play-by-play announcer. Kevin comes to FFODC from his own blog, Upon Further Review, and will also be covering Wizards basketball as well.

Comments (1)

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

Add Comment