Now that the home crowd has finished its most successful shanty-town impression in recent memory, the Virginia men's basketball team hits the not-so-friendly road to Maryland for its final game of the regular season. The contest, which will determine the No. 3 seed in the ACC tournament, takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday in College Park.
"It's going to be a very big challenge for us to play at Maryland," Virginia guard Roger Mason Jr. said. "We're happy to have such a challenge and such an important game to play, but we also need to step up to the challenge. It's not going to be easy, we need to be on our 'A' game."
The Cavaliers (20-6, 9-6 ACC) are riding a three-game winning streak. With wins over Florida State, Duke and North Carolina in the past three contests, the Cavaliers have all but secured a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
Despite the recent success, Virginia still has not shown the ability to win quality games on the road.
"We're not a good road team yet," Virginia coach Pete Gillen said. "Playing on the road is like going on a bad business trip for us. We just need to be sure of ourselves when we play away from home."
|
Maryland (19-9, 9-6) has been playing high-caliber basketball as of late. After struggling with consistency early in the season and losing five out of six ACC games at one stretch from Jan. 27 to Feb. 14, the Terrapins have put together a four-game winning streak. Their last victory has been the biggest as the Terrapins captured a thrilling 91-80 road victory at Duke on Tuesday.
The last time the Cavaliers played Maryland, Virginia stormed to a 99-78 victory Jan. 31 at University Hall. Since that meeting, Maryland has adjusted its style of play and has become a dangerous foe for any opponent.
Terrapin guard Juan Dixon, who earned ACC Men's Basketball Player of the Week honors Feb. 26, leads Maryland with his inspired play. Dixon poured in a total of 53 points in wins over Oklahoma and ACC rival N.C. State last week. Against Duke, Dixon scored 28 points and collected five steals.
In the Jan. 31 game at University Hall, the Cavaliers held Dixon to 11 points on 4-for-15 shooting. Virginia probably will rely on forward Adam Hall, the Cavaliers' most talented defender, to contain Dixon.
Fans also will see an intense battle on the boards as Virginia center Travis Watson and Maryland center Lonny Baxter, two of the leading rebounders in the ACC, fight for every missed shot.
Virginia needs to maintain the balanced offensive attack that has worked well in recent games. Watson, Hall, guards Mason and Donald Hand, and forward Chris Williams all consistently have been scoring in double figures.
If the Cavaliers defeat Maryland, they will do it with the type of team play and energy that has been pivotal in their recent victories.
With just two ACC road wins, Virginia has on last opportunity to prove that it can defeat a top team on the road. Right now, Maryland is at the top of its game.
"We have to do the same thing on the road as we do at home," Hand said. "It's our next step. We know we're capable of beating Maryland in [Cole Field House], but we have to believe in ourselves and each other"
Read More
Lacrosse defenseman Cole Kastner announces transfer to Stanford basketball
By Michael Liebermann | 13 hours agoKastner is reviving a hoops career that has lain dormant since he graduated high school.
Virginia gets second Notre Dame rematch in a dynamic ACC Tournament bout Friday
By Michael Liebermann | YesterdayThe Cavaliers will get a shot at redemption against a vaunted ACC foe, in a game with serious postseason seeding implications.
Mel Josephson and women’s lacrosse prepare to take center stage
By Xander Tilock | 2 days agoJosephson's ability to perform throughout a game's biggest moments is crucial for the Cavaliers.
