The Virginia Cavaliers have officially wrapped up the ACC regular-season title and will enter the conference tournament as the No. 1 seed. Siting at No. 2 in the overall standings, the Cavaliers were hoping to have one of their stars back from injury, but it appears they could be out longer than expected. Not aiming to take their foot off the gas in this final game, they are prepared to give Louisville a good game.
The Cavaliers were hoping Justin Anderson would be back in the mix heading int the ACC tournament, but he will be out longer that expected after missing seven games with a broken finger. Anderson currently sits ranked second on the team in scoring with 13.4 points per game. He also underwent an appendectomy earlier in the week which is prolonging his return. The team is hoping he is healthy to get back in the mix by the conference tournament.
Virginia did not need Anderson to beat Louisville the first time around. However, their offense has been sputtering lately as they managed just two points in the first 13 minutes of play against Syracuse on the road. However, they ended up with the win. Anthony Gill has been stepping up with 17 points and nine rebounds against Syracuse. The Cavaliers displayed strong defense in that game, holding Syracuse to 38.3 percent shooting while getting the 42-20 advantage in rebounds.
That top defense is prepared to lead the league once against. Last season they held opponents to just 55.7 points per game while this year they have improved to 50.0 points per game. Those numbers will be tough to overcome for Louisville who is hoping to claim the fourth seed in the ACC tournament. The Cardinals fell to Notre Dame during the week as the Irish shot 53.5 percent. Louisville is playing without their best defender Chris Jones, the team is struggling to get things done and have discipline. Louisville went scoreless in the first 12 minutes of play against Virginia last time around. They need to avoid a repeat performance.
