CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers (25-3, 13-2 ACC) are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils (26-2, 14-1 ACC) on Saturday, February 28. The game is set to tip off at Noon at Cameron Indoor Stadium, broadcasted live on ESPN, ESPN Radio, and the Virginia Sports Radio Network.
Virginia currently sits second in the Atlantic Coast Conference, trailing only Duke. The Cavaliers are looking for their first victory over a top-ranked team in school history since defeating then-No. 1 North Carolina back on January 30, 1986. This contest marks the first time UVA has faced a No. 1 ranked opponent since their loss to Gonzaga in December 2020.
With an impressive nine-game win streak, including eight consecutive road victories, UVA has demonstrated strong performance away from home this season, boasting an 11-2 overall record. Notably, they have scored 80 or more points in 18 games this season, marking the highest since the 2000-01 season, and currently average 82.3 points per game.
The upcoming game will also highlight the coaching prowess of Ryan Odom, who was appointed the head coach of UVA’s men’s basketball team in March 2022. In only his first year, Odom has achieved a record of 25 wins, the most for a first-year coach in Virginia history, surpassing Jeff Jones’ previous record of 21 wins. Odom’s coaching career includes stints at various notable schools, notably leading UMBC to a historic upset over Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
Historically, the series between the Cavaliers and Blue Devils has been competitive, with Saturday’s game marking the 181st meeting overall. Despite a struggle against Duke when they are ranked No. 1, Virginia has managed to keep several of their recent encounters close, with seven of the last eleven games decided by four points or less.
In their last outing, the Cavaliers defeated NC State decisively with a score of 90-61, showcasing their capabilities on offense and defense. Key players like Thijs De Ridder, who scored 19 points, and Johann Grünloh, who had eight blocked shots, exemplified the team’s strength.
The Cavaliers are known for their commitment to excellence, which is centered on six key pillars: humility, passion, unity, servanthood, thankfulness, and accountability. Currently, they lead the ACC in several defensive categories while boasting a strong offensive presence, demonstrating a well-rounded team strategy.
As the season progresses, the UVA Cavaliers are proving to be a formidable contender in the NCAA landscape, with this clash against Duke being a pivotal moment in their season. This matchup not only carries implications for conference standings but also sets the stage for Virginia to make its mark in college basketball by potentially securing an upset against the nation’s top team. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting and competitive game.