The Virginia Cavaliers (15-2, 4-1 ACC), winners of four straight games, will look to continue their hot streak as the clock strikes noon on Saturday against in-conference foe SMU (13-4, 2-2 ACC).
The Mustangs are coming off one of the wildest endings thus far this college basketball season, with a half-court heavy by Kevin “Boopie” Miller to seal the victory against Virginia Tech. The Hokies led for well over 15-plus minutes in the second half, with their lead climbing to as high as eight points with just over eleven minutes remaining.
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The Mustang win was ultimately brought to you by miscues on Virginia Tech’s part, missing crucial free throws down the stretch, but it all led to one of the most dramatic scenes we have seen this year. The shot, the pyro immediately following the made basket, the celebration, all of it. Chef’s kiss.
If anything, the Mustangs proved they are a tough out, and with Virginia’s off-and-on struggles to completely shut the door on opponents this season, we may be signed up for another close one in Dallas.
Virginia is currently favored in this matchup, but just barely, as Vegas set the opening line at a 1.5-point spread. This will be a Quadrant 1 opportunity for both teams, as Virginia comes into Dallas ranked No. 14 in the NET rankings and SMU holds the No. 32 spot.
The matchups
Boopie Miller vs. UVA’s on-ball defense
Boopie Miller seems to travel faster than light, and his ability to get to the free throw line, especially towards the end of the game, is a special talent. Miller was shooting 93% from the charity stripe before going 11-for-16 against Virginia Tech, which dropped his percentage to a measly 88.3%.
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Miller will be a problem on Saturday afternoon if Virginia’s defense can’t stay in front of the speedy guard. I foresee a lot of Chance Mallory vs. Boopie Miller tomorrow in Ryan Odom’s attempt to try and take Miller out of the game as he will need someone with the ability to keep him in front, because once he gets past his defender, it will either result in a made shot, a foul, or a dime as the result of a help defender.
Virginia’s bread and butter vs. SMU’s struggles
Andy Enfield’s team has struggled in two categories this year. (1) allowing opponents to grab offensive boards, and (2) allowing opponents to make nearly nine three-pointers a game, which is No. 284 in the nation.
Ryan Odom’s offense has been great this year in a number of categories. (1) grabbing offensive boards, and (2) making almost eleven threes per game, good for No. 22 in the nation.
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Prediction
Virginia 79, SMU 72. Virginia in a close one.
