The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team is back on track after a devastating loss two weeks ago. Despite being down by three points at halftime, the ‘Hoos came from behind to win their last two games by double digits. This time, they’ll face off against arch-rival Virginia Tech Hokies in Blacksburg.
A key factor in UVA’s recent resurgence is the emergence of Dai Dai Ames, who scored 27 and 18 points in his last two wins. McKneely has also been on fire from three, while Andrew Rohde seems to have found his rhythm as a playmaker, with 25 assists and no turnovers in his last three games.
To turn around their season, the Cavaliers need to improve their defense, particularly against UVA Tech’s three-point shooting. If they can hold the Hokies to under ten threes, they should win the game.
UVA needs to utilize ball screens to create mismatches and open up opportunities for their guards. The pick-and-rolls were clicking last game against Tech, with Rohde, McKneely, and Ames benefiting from poor switching by the defenders.
One player to watch is G Jaden Schutt, who had a season-high 18 points in Charlottesville two weeks ago. He’s a volume shooter who scores in waves and will be hunting his shot early. The ‘Hoos need to make him uncomfortable so he doesn’t get hot from distance.
In the end, UVA should win their third straight game, with Dai Dai Ames and Andrew Rohde leading the offense against intense defensive focus on McKneely. With a better defensive showing than last time around, the Cavaliers will squeak past Tech and secure a crucial victory in Blacksburg.
Source: https://www.streakingthelawn.com/2025/2/14/24365603/uva-basketball-virginia-basketball-virginia-tech-preview-hokies-andrew-rohde-ron-sanchez