Previewing NC State’s Opponent: Virginia

NC State and Virginia will tipoff in Charlottesville at Noon on ESPN2 today. Before the Wolfpack and the Cavaliers take the court, here’s a preview of UVA.

Virginia is 7-5 on the year, and 0-1 in the ACC, losing their 1st ACC game at SMU.

The Cavaliers have played 4 Top-25 games, losing all 4. The closest one was a 2-point loss to #21 Memphis.

UVA had to make a major adjustment right before the start of the season, with legendary Head Coach Tony Bennett stepping down.

The Cavaliers are 0-4 in Quad 1 games (Tennessee, St. John’s, Florida and SMU). They are 1-1 in Quad 2 games, beating Villanova, and losing to Memphis. UVA is 6-0 in Quad 4 games.

Virginia is currently ranked 102 in the NET Rankings, making this a Quad 2 game for the Wolfpack.

Here’s where UVA currently ranks in the ACC Team Statistic Rankings.

Offense PPG – Last (61.6)
Defense PPG – 2nd (60.3)
Offense FG% – 13th (43.6%)
Defense FG% – 3rd (39.3%)
Offense 3-Point % – 2nd (37.9%)
Defense 3-Point % – 10th (32%)
Rebounding Margin – 15th (0.3)
Offensive Rebounds – Last (7.3)
Turnover Margin – Last (-2.17)
Assist/Turnover Ratio – 11th (1.21)

Virginia only has two players scoring in double digits. Junior Guard Isaac McKneely is averaging 12.1 points per game, shooting an elite 44.7% from three, which is tops in the ACC. McKneely’s average of 3.0 assists also leads the team.

Junior Forward Elijah Saunders is averaging 11.3 points, shooting 38.7%% from three. Saunders transferred to UVA from San Diego State this offseason. He’s also averaging 5.3 rebounds.

Freshman Forward Jacob Cofie leads the Cavaliers in rebounds (6.2), and is also averaging 8.3 points per game, shooting 51.3% from the field.

Junior Guard Andrew Rohde is also averaging 8.3 points, and is shooting 44.8% from three.