After picking apart Northwestern's 1-3-1 zone last Tuesday in a 94-52 win, the Virginia men's basketball team faces Syracuse and its trademark 2-3 defense tonight in the Cavaliers' stiffest home test of the season thus far.
Virginia (6-1) has seen success this year largely from its ability to hit the three; the team is shooting almost 44 percent from beyond the arc and is tied for seventh nationally in 3-point field goals converted per game (10.57). With the multitude of perimeter weapons the Cavaliers offer, Virginia's offense is well-suited to match the zone from Syracuse (5-2) that challenges its opponents to hit the open jumper.
"We're going to face a lot of zone," Virginia coach Dave Leitao said. "Hopefully that will help us because we can shoot the ball if we work it around."
On the defensive end, Virginia faces its own challenge in finding a way to contain a Syracuse offense that has all five starters averaging in double figures in points per game. Forward Donte Greene presents the most daunting offensive threat. Through seven games, the 6-foot-11 freshman leads the Orange in points per game (18.9) and blocks (17) and is second in rebounds per game (8.6). In addition, the Cavalier frontcourt that Greene will match up against has been Virginia's Achilles' heel defensively because the three highest individual scorers against Virginia this season have all been big men.
Greene is "6-foot-11, and can really shoot the basketball," Leitao said.
Greene, however, is not the only star freshman Virginia will have to contain. The Syracuse starting lineup also features Jonny Flynn, who, at 6 feet, possesses a skill set not unlike that of Virginia senior Sean Singletary. The speedy point guard is fourth on the team in points per game (13.1) and leads the Orange in assists per game (6.1). Flynn also provides a nice complement to his backcourt mate junior guard Eric Devendorf, who is also a potent offensive weapon, scoring 17.1 points per game. Leitao said both Singletary and sophomore transfer Calvin Baker will be given the responsibility of defending the talented Flynn.
"He's shown himself very early to be a terrific player," Leitao said. "He has a great mix of leading the team as a point guard and the ability to score."
Though the matchup between seasoned leader Singletary and the rising talent Flynn should be exciting for fans, Singletary said he is not concerned as much about his own matchup as he is with getting his team ready for a high-energy game.
"I heard he [Flynn] was real talented, but whoever has the better team is going to win," Singletary said. "I've just got to get my guys ready to go at a high level, and the matchups will take care of themselves."
The good news for Virginia is that the Cavaliers are coming off a much-needed, one-week lay-off after playing five games in 10 days, including an emotional win against current-No. 22 Arizona followed two games later by a disappointing loss to Seton Hall. Leitao said a week of practice is exactly what the Cavaliers needed to recuperate emotionally and physically and to prepare for Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim's talented squad.
"I think they [the players] know what we're trying to do, we're just not there yet," Leitao said after the win against Northwestern. "That's what practice will be for"
Read More
Cavaliers collapse, lose 3-2 in walkoff to North Carolina
By Xander Tilock | YesterdayVirginia will head to the loser's bracket Sunday after a disappointing loss to North Carolina.
Gertrude out for season after scooter accident
By Michael Liebermann | YesterdayThe hype around his second season will have to wait.
Tony Bennett’s contract extended to 2030
By Xander Tilock | YesterdayWith the legendary coach secured in Charlottesville, the Cavaliers can focus on returning to a standard of postseason success.
