CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – University of Virginia basketball is looking for its first win over a ranked opponent this season on Tuesday, January 12, night against Louisville.
The Cardinals are ranked 20th in this week’s AP Poll, UVA is up seven spots at #16.
“They can beat you right there, if you’re not on it, you know, right away it can be a long night.” Cavaliers head coach Ryan Odom said.
Both teams rely heavily on shots from behind the arc. Louisville is 2nd in the ACC in three-point shot attempts. Virginia is right behind them in 3rd.
“We play similarly, I think they’re faster than us in transition. They get it up quicker they put it on you really fast,” Odom said. “They’re the fastest in the country really in terms of getting to the three right away.”
Those common traits are what could make Tuesday night’s game a close one.
“We’re going to be in tight games and we have to be able to execute on both sides of the ball at key times,” Odom said.
The ‘Hoos will have to slow down the Cardinals’ offense, which is second best in the ACC, and make sure that their own offense stays efficient.
Virginia has scored more than 70 points in every game this season, something that they haven’t done since the 1950s.
“Ultimately it comes down to how we’re playing and are we playing at our best level because we know it’s going to take a really good effort to beat Louisville on the road,” Odom said.
UVA tips off against the Cardinals inside Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center Tuesday at 7 p.m.
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